Parents of children killed in the Camp Mystic flooding delivered heartfelt testimony to the Texas Senate, advocating for urgent safety reforms to prevent similar tragedies. Their emotional appeals highlighted systemic failures and called for legislative action to enhance camp safety protocols.
Who was involved: The testimony was given by a coalition of parents who lost children in the Camp Mystic disaster, including Cici Williams Steward, Michael McCown, Carrie Hanna, Clark Baker, Brandt Dillon, and Ryan DeWitt. They addressed the Texas Senate Disaster Preparedness and Flooding Select Committee, chaired by State Senator Charles Perry, with other lawmakers like State Senator Lois Kolkhorst also present.
What happened: The parents shared harrowing accounts of their losses and criticized the lack of safety measures at Camp Mystic. They testified in support of Senate Bill 1, which proposes mandatory emergency plans, floodplain restrictions, rooftop ladders in cabins, and better communication systems for camps. The hearing was marked by tears and raw emotion as parents described their children’s final moments and the aftermath.
When and where: The testimony occurred on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, before the Texas Senate committee in Austin, Texas. This was part of ongoing legislative hearings investigating the July 4 flash flooding that devastated the Hill Country region.
Why it happened: The testimony was driven by the catastrophic flooding at Camp Mystic on July 4, 2025, which killed 27 people, mostly young girls, and was attributed to a 1,000-year flood event. Parents believe preventable failures, such as absent evacuation plans and inadequate warning systems, contributed to the deaths, and they seek to ensure no other families endure similar pain.
How it unfolded: Parents presented detailed statements, often breaking down in tears, while showing photos of their children. They emphasized that common-sense safety measures were ignored, and counselors were unprepared. The committee members were visibly moved, with some tearing up, and pledged to consider the parents’ input for Senate Bill 1, renamed the ‘Heaven 27 Camp Safety Act’ in honor of the victims.
Impact: The testimony has intensified pressure on lawmakers to pass robust safety legislation. It has also raised public awareness about camp safety deficiencies and the emotional toll on bereaved families. The event garnered significant media coverage, potentially influencing public opinion and legislative priorities.
What’s next: The Texas Senate will continue deliberating on Senate Bill 1, with possible amendments based on the testimony. The parents plan to remain involved in the legislative process, advocating for strict enforcement of new regulations. Additional hearings may be scheduled, and the bill could move to a vote in the coming weeks, with hopes of implementation before the next camping season.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-parents-lost-children-mystic-camp-flooding-speak/story?id=124805304