Austin, Texas, February 7, 2026
The parents of 8-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward, who went missing during the July flooding at Camp Mystic, have filed a lawsuit against the camp’s owners alleging negligence. They claim the camp ignored evacuation protocols and weather warnings, which led to the tragic events that resulted in the death of 27 campers and counselors. This lawsuit is part of a wider series of legal actions taken by families affected by the incident, highlighting the urgent need for stricter safety measures in recreational camps located in flood-prone areas.
Austin Parents Sue Camp Mystic Over Missing Daughter in July Flood
Austin, Texas – The parents of 8-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward, who remains missing after the July 4, 2025, flooding at Camp Mystic, have filed a lawsuit against the camp’s owners and management. The lawsuit alleges that the camp failed to implement an evacuation plan required by state law and ignored weather warnings from emergency management officials before the Guadalupe River rose to historic levels.
Will and CiCi Steward, residents of Austin, dropped off their daughter at Camp Mystic on June 29, 2025, for her first sleepaway camp experience. The camp, a family tradition spanning generations, was located along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country. Tragically, on July 4, the river experienced catastrophic flooding, leading to the deaths of 27 campers and counselors, including Cile. Her body has not been recovered, and she is presumed deceased.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed in Travis County District Court, seeks more than $1 million in actual and punitive damages. It accuses the camp’s owners, the Eastland family, of negligence and gross negligence. The Stewards allege that the Eastlands failed to protect their daughter, despite being aware of the camp’s location in a high-risk flood zone along the Guadalupe River. The lawsuit claims that the camp did not have adequate emergency plans or evacuation procedures in place and ignored repeated flood warnings and historical flood data. The Stewards also allege that the camp acted with “conscious indifference” to the safety of children and prioritized convenience and financial considerations over safety. The lawsuit calls for all evidence related to the flood to be preserved.
Camp Mystic’s Response
In response to the lawsuit, an attorney representing the Eastland family stated that they intend to demonstrate that the sudden surge of floodwaters far exceeded any previous flood in the area by several magnitudes, that it was unexpected and unforeseeable, and that no adequate early warning flood systems existed in the area. The Eastland family has announced plans to reopen a portion of the camp property that wasn’t flooded, with added safety measures. However, the Stewards have expressed opposition to this decision, questioning the appropriateness of reopening the camp while their daughter remains missing.
Legal Actions by Affected Families
The Stewards’ lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal actions taken by families affected by the July 4 flood at Camp Mystic. Other families have also filed lawsuits alleging negligence and seeking accountability for the tragic events that unfolded during the flooding. This growing wave of legal action underlines the significant emotional and financial toll the disaster has had on the community and highlights the call for increased safety measures in camps located in flood-prone areas.
Implications for Future Operations
The tragic incident has sparked conversations about safety regulations and emergency preparedness in recreational facilities across Texas. Advocates argue for stricter adherence to safety protocols and for organizations, such as Camps, to develop comprehensive emergency management plans. As families seek justice and accountability, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the face of natural calamities.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Camp Mystic reflect a growing concern among families affected by the flooding, driving the call for enhanced safety regulations and accountability in recreational camps. As this situation develops, it remains crucial for community members and local leaders to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of all children participating in outdoor activities. The resilience of Austin’s families, combined with a proactive approach to safety, could foster a change in how camps and similar organizations prioritize emergency preparedness and risk management.
FAQ
- What is the lawsuit about?
- The lawsuit alleges that Camp Mystic’s owners and management failed to implement an evacuation plan required by state law and ignored weather warnings before the Guadalupe River rose to historic levels, leading to the death of 8-year-old Cecilia “Cile” Steward.
- Who are the plaintiffs?
- The plaintiffs are Will and CiCi Steward, residents of Austin, Texas, and parents of Cecilia “Cile” Steward, who remains missing after the July 4, 2025, flooding at Camp Mystic.
- What are the Stewards seeking in the lawsuit?
- The Stewards are seeking more than $1 million in actual and punitive damages, alleging negligence and gross negligence on the part of Camp Mystic’s owners, the Eastland family.
- What is the current status of Cecilia “Cile” Steward?
- Cecilia “Cile” Steward is presumed deceased, as her body has not been recovered since the July 4, 2025, flooding at Camp Mystic.
- Have other families taken legal action?
- Yes, other families affected by the July 4 flood at Camp Mystic have also filed lawsuits alleging negligence and seeking accountability for the tragic events that unfolded during the flooding.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Austin, Texas |
| Event | July 4, 2025, flooding at Camp Mystic |
| Victim | Cecilia “Cile” Steward, 8 years old |
| Allegations | Failure to implement evacuation plan, ignoring weather warnings |
| Legal Action | Lawsuit seeking over $1 million in damages |
| Camp’s Response | Plans to reopen with added safety measures |
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