parks
Camp Mystic report finds no evacuation plan before deadly flood
By David Goins at NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local
· June 18, 2026
· 2 min read
A month-long state investigation into the Camp Mystic flood disaster concluded the camp did not have a written evacuation plan, failed to adequately prepare for flooding, and did not evacuate campers despite opportunities to move them to safety before rising waters swept through the property.
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Key takeaway ” Among the findings in the 115-page report, investigator Michael Massengale said the absence of a written evacuation plan left Camp Mystic employees dependent on decisions made by camp director Richard Eastland.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The Camp Mystic flood disaster has sent shockwaves through the Southlake community, where many families affected by the tragedy reside. As the investigation's findings become public, local residents are left to grapple with the devastating consequences of the camp's safety failures. The absence of a written evacuation plan and inadequate staff training are particularly troubling, given the camp's location in a flood-prone area. The fact that campers were instructed to shelter in place rather than move to higher ground raises questions about the camp's emergency preparedness and decision-making processes. As the community mourns the loss of 27 lives, it is crucial to examine how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future, particularly in areas like Southlake where outdoor recreation and youth camps are popular. The investigation's report will likely inform discussions about flood safety and emergency preparedness in local parks and recreation facilities.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A month-long state investigation into the Camp Mystic flood disaster concluded the camp did not have a written evacuation plan, failed to adequately prepare for flooding, and did not evacuate campers despite opportunities to move them to safety before rising waters swept through the property.
...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by David Goins at NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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