safety
Camp Mystic report finds no evacuation plan before deadly flood
By David Goins at NBC DFW
· 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. The fi
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 The Fort Worth
The findings of the Camp Mystic investigation have significant implications for the safety of summer camps and youth programs in Tarrant County and the broader North Texas region. As the area is prone to severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, it is crucial that all camps and programs have comprehensive emergency plans in place. The lack of a written evacuation plan at Camp Mystic, which led to devastating consequences, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness. Local families who send their children to summer camps in the Fort Worth area will likely be paying close attention to the measures that camps are taking to ensure their safety. The Fort Worth ISD and neighboring districts may also re-examine their own emergency procedures and protocols for school-sponsored programs and events. As the community continues to heal from this tragedy, it is essential that concrete steps are taken to prevent such a disaster from happening again in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC DFW . The Fort Worth 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 DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 18, 2026 ·
Source: NBC DFW ·
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. The fi
When was this published? This article was first published on June 18, 2026 by NBC DFW and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by David Goins at NBC DFW. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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