The head nurse at Camp Mystic in Texas, where a tragic flooding incident resulted in the deaths of 25 girls last summer, has had her nursing license suspended. Mary Liz Eastland admitted to abandoning children during the crisis, prompting the Texas Board of Nursing to conclude that she presents a “continuing and imminent threat to the public welfare” if allowed to practice.
Eastland is facing serious accusations of neglecting her responsibilities. On July 4, rising waters from the Guadalupe River flooded the camp, leading to the deaths of 28 individuals, which included 25 children, two teenage counselors, and her stepfather, Dick Eastland, who also served as camp director. During that chaotic moment, many children were either trapped or swept away by the flood.
This suspension follows a court hearing where Eastland was confronted with her actions; when asked if she had abandoned those who needed help, she responded affirmatively.
The Nursing Board has also claimed that Eastland failed to develop appropriate emergency protocols and did not inform state health officials about the 27 fatalities within the mandated 24-hour period, calling this a “deceptive” attempt to evade accountability. Her nursing license will be permanently revoked pending a final hearing.
“It’s a tough day for Mrs. Eastland and for all licensed nurses in Texas,” stated Camp Mystic in a recent announcement.
Joshua Fiveson, representing the camp, mentioned that Eastland disagrees with the findings and plans to contest the suspension.
Meanwhile, the Eastland family has faced challenges, having been turned down by a judge in April when they sought to reopen the camp this summer. A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by families of the victims, notably including 8-year-old Cecilia “Silly” Steward. During a prior hearing, camp director Edward Eastland was visibly emotional, expressing confusion over the whereabouts of a still-missing camper, Syil. Under pressure from the plaintiffs’ attorney, he acknowledged the camp’s failure to take basic safety measures that day, such as using a bullhorn for evacuation and having staff meetings to plan for the impending storm.
