A Camp Mystic wrongful death lawsuit alleges that preventable safety failures caused 8-year-old Mary Grace Baker’s death during the July 2025 Texas floods. Her parents, Clarke and Katie Baker, filed the lawsuit Nov. 9, seeking accountability for their daughter’s death. Mary Grace was among 25 campers and two counselors who died when floodwaters overwhelmed the Christian summer camp. The lawsuit alleges that camp leaders ignored warnings and failed to evacuate vulnerable cabins. The filing marks the sixth wrongful death lawsuit against Camp Mystic since the disaster.
Lawsuit alleges profits outweighed camper safety
The Bakers accuse Camp Mystic’s owners of prioritizing profits over children’s safety. According to the lawsuit, the camp generated approximately $10 million each summer, while families paid thousands of dollars for their daughters to attend. The complaint alleges that executive director Dick Eastland maintained strict control over operations, discouraging staff from questioning his decisions. It also describes disputes involving the Eastland family’s business arrangements and property holdings. The family allegedly protected financial interests while neglecting critical safety preparations.
Flood warnings and evacuation failures
Camp leaders received flood warnings July 3 and 4 but failed to evacuate Mary Grace’s cabin, according to the lawsuit. The youngest campers stayed in Twin 1, a cabin near the Guadalupe River in a flood zone. Their teenage counselors allegedly lacked adequate evacuation training. A Texas legislative report documented widespread confusion among staff during the disaster. The flood killed at least 138 people across the region, including Camp Mystic’s executive director.
Bankruptcy and accountability efforts
Camp Mystic filed for bankruptcy June 24, temporarily halting new lawsuits. However, a federal judge lifted that restriction Nov. 9, allowing families to resume litigation. The Texas Rangers are investigating possible criminal charges, including manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Clarke Baker previously helped advocate for Texas’ Camp Safety Act.
The Bakers maintain that accountability requires answers about the camp’s decisions and leadership failures. Their lawsuit emphasizes preventable deaths, alleged negligence and the responsibility of camp operators to protect children. Camp Mystic and its attorneys did not respond to requests for comment. The allegations remain subject to litigation, and the camp’s response to these specific claims remains unavailable.
Source: Embattled Camp Mystic faces new wrongful death lawsuit in ‘preventable’ death of 8-year-old camper
Photo by ?? Janko Ferli? on Unsplash
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