The Texas camp where 28 people drowned during a July 4 flash flood has quietly filed for bankruptcy, just days after a state investigation exposed its catastrophic failures.
Camp Mystic sought Chapter 11 protection at 1 a.m. on June 24 in the Southern District of Texas, court documents reveal. The filing shows total debts exceeding $10 million, a staggering sum for a family-run operation that has been at the center of a national tragedy.
The bankruptcy move comes on the heels of a scathing Texas legislature report that found the camp had no adequate emergency plans or preparations for the deadly night. The investigation painted a picture of chaos and neglect, with families left to wonder if the tragedy could have been prevented.
Camp owners, the Eastlands family, had initially planned to open this summer, but faced a firestorm of public backlash from grieving parents. They also struggled to secure a state license, as regulators scrutinized the camp’s safety record. In May, the family made the difficult decision to keep the gates locked for good.
Mateo Rosiles, the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY, broke the story. He can be reached at mrosiles@usatodayco.com for any tips or follow-ups.
