The devastating flash floods that swept through Central Texas over the July 4th weekend have left many deeply heartbroken. As search and rescue efforts continue for the many children still missing from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in western Kerr County, Texas, the catastrophic flooding—marked by severe flash flood warnings issued by the National Weather Service well in advance—has raised urgent questions about the timing and effectiveness of evacuation procedures. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., we stand firmly with these families during this time of profound grief and uncertainty, committed to seeking answers and ensuring accountability to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
Questions Families Deserve Answers To
While supporting the ongoing search and rescue efforts is crucial, it is equally important that families receive clear and honest answers about what occurred and why. Early reports indicate that flood warnings were issued well before the flooding, yet evacuation procedures may have been delayed or insufficient.
Important questions that must be thoroughly investigated include:
- When was camp management first alerted to the potential flooding?
- How was communication handled between weather services, local authorities, and camp management?
- What flood plans / emergency protocols were in place, and how effectively were they implemented?
- Was there sufficient training in place for camp leaders?
- Why were children not evacuated sooner from a location known to be vulnerable to flooding?
These questions are not about assigning blame during an ongoing crisis but about understanding the facts to help prevent future tragedies.
The Legal Duty of Care
When adults take responsibility for children in residential settings such as summer camps, the law imposes a heightened duty of care. Camp operators act “in loco parentis” — standing in place of parents — which means they have both moral and legal obligations to anticipate dangers and respond promptly to credible threats.
With respect to this incident, this duty includes:
- Monitoring weather conditions and emergency alerts continuously
- Developing and executing effective evacuation plans for emergencies
- Acting swiftly to protect children’s safety above all else
- Prioritizing safety over operational convenience
As our partner Joseph Cammarata often reminds, “When you assume responsibility for someone else’s child, that responsibility is absolute. There can be no compromise when it comes to their safety.”
Our Commitment to Families
In the wake of this tragedy, it is essential that families receive full transparency and accountability. With decades of experience supporting families entrusted with the care of their children, we emphasize the importance of honoring that trust.
Our focus is to:
- Support families in obtaining clear and complete information about what happened
- Encourage accountability for decisions that may have contributed to this disaster
- Promote changes that help prevent similar tragedies in the future
If investigations identify any shortcomings in preparation, communication, or response, it is vital that justice is pursued on behalf of the affected families.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Our hearts remain with every family still waiting for news and those who have already faced the devastating loss of their children. While no legal action can undo the pain, accountability and systemic change can honor the memory of those lost and help protect other children going forward.
For families seeking guidance when they are ready, we offer our experience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that those entrusted with children’s safety fulfill their sacred responsibility.
If you are a family affected by this tragedy and wish to speak confidentially, please contact Joseph Cammarata at (202) 659-8600. Consultations are free, and we never charge fees unless we recover compensation for you.
