HOUSTON – More than a year after devastating flooding killed 27 campers, counselors and Camp Director Richard Eastland at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country, a federal judge in Houston is weighing a critical question: should the camp’s owners remain in control of the bankruptcy or should an independent trustee take over?
After nearly 12 hours, the bankruptcy hearing wrapped up Friday night, but a decision has not been made. The judge said he needs more time and wants to hear closing arguments from both sides before ruling. The hearing will continue Tuesday at 3 p.m.
What is a stay — and why does it matter?
A stay is a court order that temporarily pauses legal proceedings. In this case, Camp Mystic’s bankruptcy automatically put wrongful-death lawsuits against the camp and related companies on hold. Whether that protection also extends to individual members of the Eastland family is a separate question the bankruptcy court is considering.
The judge said the stay for the Camp Mystic families’ wrongful death lawsuits is eligible to be lifted on November 9. If the stay is lifted, families would be able to move forward with their civil lawsuits seeking accountability for the deaths.
What is at stake in the bankruptcy
The fight in bankruptcy court centers on trust, accountability and what happens to Camp Mystic’s assets, including property, while families pursue claims connected to the deadly July 2025 flood.
Federal bankruptcy officials are pushing for an independent trustee to take over and oversee Camp Mystic’s finances. Liquidation of the camp’s assets is also being considered.
The push for an outside trustee comes amid concerns about whether the camp’s current leadership should remain in control while families pursue wrongful death claims. The camp’s owners have argued that changes to management and oversight can address those concerns without handing control to an independent trustee.
The outcome could affect how the camp’s property is handled, how creditors are paid and how the bankruptcy moves forward.
It is important to note that this bankruptcy hearing is not a trial to determine who is legally responsible for the deaths. The key question before the judge right now is who will control the bankruptcy process.
The judge’s decision could shape the next chapter for Camp Mystic, and for the families still seeking accountability and answers.
The hearing continues Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.