Camp Mystic health officer loses nursing license after deadly Texas flood killed 27 girls

May 21, 2026 - 07:18

The former chief health officer at Camp Mystic has permanently lost her nursing license, more than a year after a catastrophic flash flood swept through the Texas campground and killed 27 girls. State regulators determined that the nurse failed to maintain adequate emergency preparedness plans, a lapse that contributed to the tragedy.

The Texas Board of Nursing revoked the license following an investigation that uncovered multiple violations. According to the board's findings, the health officer did not ensure that staff were trained on evacuation procedures, nor did she verify that emergency supplies and communication equipment were functional before the storm hit. On the night of the flood, the camp's cabins were overwhelmed by a sudden surge of water from the nearby river, trapping dozens of young campers.

Survivors and families of the victims have long criticized the camp's leadership for a lack of warning systems and a delayed response. The nurse, who had been employed at Camp Mystic for over a decade, did not contest the revocation. In a brief statement, she expressed sorrow for the loss of life but did not admit to any specific wrongdoing.

The tragedy remains one of the deadliest weather-related incidents at a U.S. summer camp in recent history. State officials have since pushed for stricter safety regulations for youth camps, including mandatory flood risk assessments and real-time weather monitoring. The camp itself has remained closed, with its future uncertain as civil lawsuits continue to move through the courts.