KERR COUNTY, Texas (Talk1370.com) -- The Texas Rangers have joined a state investigation into allegations of neglect at Camp Mystic following last year's deadly July 4 floods that killed 27 campers and counselors.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed Tuesday that the Rangers are now assisting the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in a probe triggered by hundreds of complaints regarding the camp’s operations during the disaster.
DSHS revealed that it has been flooded with "hundreds of complaints" since early February. The agency is specifically investigating whether Camp Mystic violated state laws governing youth camps during the record-breaking floods.
"DSHS is investigating alleged violations of the Texas laws governing youth camps and has asked the Department of Public Safety to assist with investigating allegations concerning the camp’s operations," the agency said in a statement.
The state’s intervention follows a series of private lawsuits filed by the families of the victims. These suits allege "gross negligence," with plaintiffs arguing that the 27 lives lost could have been saved had camp leadership acted appropriately during the emergency.
Camp Mystic officials are seeking a license to re-open a separate area of the camp, away from the Guadalupe River portion, to house campers this summer. So far, the agency has not taken any action on that application.
