Austin, Texas – The owners of Camp Mystic, a historic private Christian girls’ camp that sits on the banks of the Guadalupe River, have filed a Chapter 11 reorganization plan that would auction the camp’s 749 acres (about 3 square kilometers) and related assets. The filing, submitted on Sept. 25, emphasizes a preference for a buyer who will maintain the camp’s historic mission.
Bankruptcy filing and proposed sale
The plan, overseen by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher M. Lopez, outlines that the highest or otherwise best bid will be evaluated with an express preference for a purchaser committed to preserving the camp’s Christian heritage. While the filing does not require the buyer to continue operating the property as a camp, it does signal the owners’ hope that a group of families supportive of the mission will lead the effort.
Background of the tragedy
On July 4, 2025, a sudden surge of the Guadalupe River claimed the lives of 25 campers and two counselors, along with camp director Richard Eastland. A total of 136 people perished along a several‑mile stretch of the river. Most of the victims were under age 10, many attending Camp Mystic for the first time.
Families and lawmakers push back
Since the disaster, victims’ families and several state legislators have challenged the camp’s management, filing lawsuits and demanding investigations. Earlier this month, state police sought search warrants for the owners’ electronic communications, citing possible evidence of manslaughter, negligent homicide, or child abandonment. No criminal charges have been filed to date.
A legislative probe concluded that the camp’s young, inexperienced counselors were not adequately trained for flood emergencies and that an earlier evacuation could have saved every life. The second, elevated campus escaped flooding, underscoring the importance of proper emergency planning.
Legal process and creditor involvement
All creditors, including families who have sued Camp Mystic, will have an opportunity to comment on the bankruptcy plan. The court will consider these responses before approving any sale. Camp officials have not responded to requests for comment.
Victims’ families demand accountability
Attorney Tim Ferguson, representing the family of 8‑year‑old Mary Grace Baker, said, “The Eastlands are now attempting to determine the future of the Camp Mystic property, but the victims’ families, including my clients, will fight to protect their rights and ensure any sale is fair and transparent.” He added that the Bakers will continue to seek answers, accountability, and justice for their daughter.
Potential outcomes
If approved, the auction could result in a buyer who preserves the camp’s historic Christian mission while addressing the concerns of victims’ families. The plan’s language suggests that a group of supportive families could back the purchaser, potentially providing a path forward that honors both the camp’s legacy and the memory of those lost.
Community members and faith‑based organizations are watching the process closely, hoping that any future use of the property respects the camp’s founding values and provides closure for the grieving families.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
