Camp Mystic officials announced Thursday they are withdrawing their application for a summer operating license, stating the decision was made to allow more time for families to grieve following a devastating flood last July.
Lawmakers Investigate Tragedy
The move comes after days of pointed questioning from Texas lawmakers, who are investigating the camp's handling of the July 4 tragedy. The flood claimed the lives of 25 campers, two teenage counselors, and the camp's owner, Dick Eastland.
In a statement, Camp Mystic explained, "No administrative process or summer season should move forward while families continue to grieve, while investigations continue and while so many Texans still carry the pain of last July’s tragedy."
Regulatory Hurdles
Last week, camp organizers ran into massive hurdles trying to obtain licenses to reopen this summer. Texas state regulators found nearly two dozen deficiencies in emergency operations. A spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed the camp's withdrawal of its application on Thursday.
State health officials issued an 11-page letter to the camp, detailing deficiencies in flood warning evacuation plans, emergency warning systems, safety alert monitoring, and camper safety training. The camp's emergency plan was submitted as part of strict new guidelines imposed by state lawmakers after the deadly flood.
DSHS spokesperson Lara Anton said many camps have received deficiency notices ahead of summer opening.
