Attorneys with Nix Patterson, LLP have filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of Will and Cici Steward, parents of Cecilia \u201cCile\u201d Steward, the only child still missing following the July 4 flooding at Camp Mystic.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit was filed in Travis County District Court and joins claims brought by other families seeking accountability related to the flooding event. In addition to the wrongful death claims, the Stewards are seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent Camp Mystic from reopening while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.<\/p>\n
According to the petition, the lawsuit alleges a pattern of failures by Camp Mystic leadership, including inadequate emergency planning, lack of regulatory oversight, and failure to act despite known flood risks at the camp\u2019s Guadalupe River location.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are eternally grateful to Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, and emergency responders who have maintained their commitment to bringing our baby girl home,\u201d said Will and Cici Steward. \u201cWhile this lawsuit cannot bring Cile back, we feel compelled to ensure the truth about what happened is fully exposed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were heroes on July 4,\u201d the Stewards added. \u201cThe heroes were the counselors who acted bravely to save campers in the face of chaos.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nix Patterson attorney Brad Beckworth said the case centers on a fundamental breach of trust.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no greater transfer of trust than when parents place their child in the care of others,\u201d Beckworth said. \u201cAccording to the lawsuit, that trust was broken through repeated failures to prepare, warn, and protect children despite clear warning signs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attorney Christina Yarnell noted that the case followed an extensive investigation into the events leading up to and during the flooding.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen a mass casualty event occurs, it is critical to evaluate the actions of those in charge,\u201d Yarnell said. \u201cOur investigation shows a clear pattern of decisions and omissions that led to this tragedy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The lawsuit further alleges that Camp Mystic leadership was aware of decades of prior flooding at the site and received multiple warnings in the days and hours before the flood. Despite those warnings, the petition claims there was no effective evacuation plan, no meaningful communication to campers or counselors, and no coordinated emergency response.<\/p>\n
The filing also highlights the actions of camp counselors, who are described as having saved lives through individual decision making despite a lack of direction from camp leadership.<\/p>\n