The families of nine of the victims from last year’s catastrophic July 4th flooding in Kerr County have filed a new lawsuit in federal court this week.
The families are suing six officials with the Department of State Health Services, including Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, several people who oversee the youth camp program, and the agency’s camp mystic inspector.
The suit accuses state officials of failing to follow the law when they licensed Camp Mystic, claiming they did not make sure that there was a proper evacuation plan in place.
Camp mystic’s license is valid through March 6th. However, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is urging state health officials to deny the camp’s license renewal.
While the camp’s attorney argues that the “Cypress Lake” portion is legally compliant and separate from the flood site, Patrick insists that no operations should resume until legislative investigations are complete.
New state laws have since been enacted to force camps to post illuminated evacuation routes and specific safety zones.
Patrick’s letter to the DSHS commissioner says, “Texas should not renew the license for Camp Mystic for this summer until the deaths of 25 campers, two counselors, and its executive director on July 4th are investigated and necessary changes are made to be sure lives aren’t lost in a flood there again.”
