Camp Mystic, a Christian camp for girls located along the Guadalupe River in Texas, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as it faces mounting pressure following tragic floods that killed 25 campers and two teenage counselors last July 4. The flood also claimed the life of the camp’s owner, Richard Eastland.

Initially, the camp planned to reopen this summer to celebrate its 100th anniversary. However, growing outrage from victims’ families and lawmakers led to a change of plans in April. Families filed lawsuits, alleging the camp failed to protect the girls from the severe floodwaters.

The camp’s debt exceeds $10 million, as per the bankruptcy filing in Houston federal court. Camp Mystic’s attorney has not commented on the situation.

“Bankruptcy will not stop all responsible parties from being held accountable,” said Paul Yetter, an attorney representing several families of those who died. “These innocent girls deserve justice.”

Camp Mystic held a significant place in the community for decades, offering a summer retreat where families entrusted their girls to enjoy various activities like horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, and Bible studies. Though other camps in Kerr County have reopened after the flooding, Camp Mystic’s reopening was met with skepticism.

The flood resulted in 136 fatalities along the river, raising critical questions about the lack of emergency preparedness. The Eastland family initially aimed to open the camp again, highlighting enhanced safety measures like flood warning systems and weather alert radios in cabins. Despite these assurances, the camp’s emergency operations plan failed state regulators’ standards, revealing deficiencies in flood evacuation plans and staff training.

Testimonies in court and legislative hearings detailed the camp’s inadequate flood emergency planning and staff training. Families attended hearings with pins showing photographs of their daughters, listening to accounts of missed flood warnings, video evidence of the flooding, and the decision to leave the girls in cabins too long.

Before cancelling reopening plans, Camp Mystic invited journalists and lawmakers to assess new safety improvements, assuring no activities would occur in the flood-impacted lowland areas. The Eastland family highlighted support from families eager to return.