Texas Rangers Join Camp Mystic Flood Investigation

Belongings such as blankets and footlockers of campers were taken out of cabins that flooded during the devastating July 4 flood at Camp Mystic in Hunt on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer

The Texas Rangers have joined a sweeping state investigation into the actions of Camp Mystic during the July 4 floods that left 28 people — including 26 campers and two counselors — at the camp dead.

The role of the Rangers was not immediately clear. The Texas Department of Public Safety said Tuesday:

“The Texas Rangers are now assisting the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in an investigation regarding complaints of neglect by Camp Mystic in Kerr Co. during the July 4, 2025, floods.”

The American-Statesman has requested additional details from DSHS about the Rangers’ role.

The Rangers’ search and recovery mission for remaining flood victims in Kerr County is ongoing, DPS said.

Camp Mystic filed an application last week with DSHS seeking renewal of its state license ahead of reopening this summer. The agency said it has received complaints about the camp and will investigate potential violations of laws and rules governing youth camps.

In February, the parents of 8-year-old Cile Steward — the only Camp Mystic camper whose remains have not been found — filed a lawsuit seeking to halt construction, repairs and renovations at the camp until their earlier lawsuit over Steward’s death is resolved. A judge granted the order, saying the halt was necessary to preserve evidence. Camp Mystic appealed the decision, calling it “deeply flawed” and saying it caused “irreparable harm.”