AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A key witness in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding last year’s devastating flood at Camp Mystic acknowledged that implementing an early evacuation order might have saved lives. Glenn Juenke, a security guard at the camp where a tragic flood claimed 25 young lives on July 4th, testified about the lack of preparation and timely decisions amidst the chaos.
During the three-day hearing involving camp operators who wish to reopen the all-girls Christian camp this summer, Juenke shared that he had made the decision to tell several campers to move to higher ground on his own initiative, rather than following directives from camp management or authorities.
“If there had been a general evacuation order early in the storm, lives could have been saved,” Juenke stated, expressing regret over the missed opportunities to safeguard the campers. His testimony highlighted a significant oversight—neither the campers nor the staff had been adequately trained regarding emergency evacuation procedures.
The aftermath of the flood has left a deep emotional scar on the families of the victims, who have voiced their opposition to the camp's plans to reopen without addressing critical safety reforms. The state health regulators are currently scrutinizing the camp's license, and a recent ruling demanded the preservation of the flood-damaged areas as evidence for ongoing lawsuits related to the tragedy.
Throughout his account, Juenke described the chaotic moments as the floodwaters rose, illustrating his struggles and the ultimate resourcefulness required to keep some campers safe. He urged a group of girls to flee to higher ground and later found himself trapped in a cabin, where he instructed those with him to stay afloat on air mattresses.
Lawyers representing the victims' families have been focused on the inadequacy of the camp's evacuation plans leading up to the flood. Compounding their frustrations, they recounted a brief emergency notice that instructed campers to remain in their cabins until agency staff arrived for further instructions—a directive that proved too late for many.
The catastrophic flood ultimately claimed the lives of 25 campers and two counselors, deeply affecting the entire community. One 8-year-old camper, Cile Steward, remains missing despite extensive search efforts.
“You can blame it on Mother Nature, but timely alerts could have made a difference,” asserted Brad Beckworth, the attorney for one of the families, referencing the critical window where lives could have been saved had evacuation orders been communicated effectively.
In defense of the camp's actions, Juenke maintained, “We did everything we could in the time we had.” As many await the court's ruling and the camp's fate, the specter of that tragic night still lingers heavily for the community and families affected.
