Daijiworld Media Network - Texas

Texas, Apr 16: A security guard at Camp Mystic has told a court that an earlier evacuation during last year’s deadly flood along the Guadalupe River could have saved lives.

Glenn Juenke, who was on duty the night of the July 4 disaster, made the statement while testifying in an ongoing legal battle between camp operators seeking to reopen and families of victims who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Juenke said that although he helped move some girls to a safer, two-storey building, he later became trapped in a cabin as floodwaters surged. Acting on his own judgment, he instructed a group of campers to run to higher ground—an action that helped save lives.

He also revealed that there was no clear training provided to campers or staff on emergency evacuation procedures. The existing instructions in cabins reportedly advised occupants to remain inside until further directions were given.

Describing the chaotic night, Juenke said he was eventually stranded in waist-deep water inside a cabin with several girls. He asked them to climb onto air mattresses, where they remained afloat for hours amid dangerous conditions, including insects and debris. All the girls in that cabin survived.

The hearing, spanning three days, has brought out crucial details about the sequence of events, including alleged delays in evacuation decisions and lack of preparedness.

Families of victims have strongly opposed the camp’s plan to reopen, pointing to lapses in safety measures. In the disaster, 25 campers, two teenage counsellors, and a camp co-owner lost their lives.

Legal representatives for the victims argued that timely warnings using communication systems could have prevented the tragedy. However, Juenke defended the actions of the staff, stating that they did everything possible under the circumstances.

The camp’s licence remains under review, with authorities continuing to examine safety protocols before any decision on reopening is taken.