The Camp Mystic Tragedy: What New York Parents Must Know—and Why Hill & Moin Should Be Your First Call After a Camp Injury or Death

The Camp Mystic Tragedy: What New York Parents Must Know—and Why Hill & Moin Should Be Your First Call After a Camp Injury or Death

On July 4, 2025, devastating flash floods swept through Camp Mystic, a long-established summer camp in Texas, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 27 people, most of them children. The floodwaters rose rapidly during the early morning hours, overwhelming cabins situated dangerously close to the riverbank. Although early flood warnings were issued, full evacuation did not occur in time to save everyone.

While this heartbreaking event occurred hundreds of miles from New York, the lessons it holds for local families are urgent and deeply relevant. For any parent sending a child to summer camp in New York, safety and emergency preparedness should be a top priority. And if a serious injury or death occurs, Hill & Moin, LLP is the law firm New Yorkers trust to fight for justice.

What Went Wrong at Camp Mystic?

• Severe Flooding: A sudden rise in river levels inundated several cabins, some of which were known to be in flood-prone areas.
• Emergency Delays: Despite early warnings, some cabins were not evacuated quickly enough.
• Lack of Accreditation: Reports indicate the camp was not accredited by national safety organizations.
• Preparedness Gaps: There were questions about the existence and effectiveness of the camp’s disaster response protocols.

This tragedy has prompted scrutiny nationwide into how summer camps prepare for weather emergencies, supervise children, and protect those in their care.

Lessons for New York Parents

New York has some of the strongest youth camp regulations in the country, but no law can replace active, informed parenting. Families should take the following steps before selecting a summer camp:

Ask the Right Questions:

• How does the camp monitor weather conditions and respond to emergencies?
• Where are sleeping quarters located relative to water, cliffs, or other hazards?
• Does the camp have backup communication systems if power or cell service fails?
• Are staff regularly trained in emergency response procedures?

Look for Accreditation:

While not mandatory, accreditation from respected organizations like the American Camp Association (ACA) signals a camp’s commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Request the Camp’s Safety Plan:

Parents should not hesitate to ask for a written overview of the camp’s emergency protocols, evacuation plans, and safety training programs.

When the Unthinkable Happens: Why Families Trust Hill & Moin

If your child is injured or killed due to negligence at a summer camp in New York, Hill & Moin, LLP is the firm to call. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing children and families in cases involving:

• Unsafe campgrounds or facilities
• Negligent supervision
• Failure to respond appropriately to emergencies
• Hazardous conditions such as fire, flooding, or falling trees
• Physical or sexual abuse by staff or other campers

✅ Proven Legal Experience

We understand New York’s health, safety, and liability laws governing youth camps—and we know how to investigate the facts, uncover systemic failures, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

✅ Rapid Response & Evidence Preservation

Our firm acts swiftly to secure vital evidence such as witness statements, inspection reports, safety records, weather alerts, and emergency communications. Time is critical in these cases, and early legal action can be decisive.

✅ Compassionate, Personalized Representation

At Hill & Moin, we treat your case as if it were our own family. We take time to listen, to explain your rights, and to pursue the compensation your child and your family deserve.

⭐ 5-Star Rated on Google

Don’t just take our word for it, Hill & Moin has earned over 200 five-star reviews on Google from clients who trusted us with their most difficult moments. We are proud to be known for responsiveness, results, and unwavering compassion.

Here’s what our clients say:

“The team at Hill & Moin was with us every step of the way. They treated us like family.”
“They got us justice when we didn’t think it was possible. Truly grateful.”
“Professional, efficient, and incredibly kind during the worst time in our lives.”

What Legal Claims Can Be Made?

If a child is injured or dies at a summer camp, New York law may allow for claims such as:

• Negligence – for failure to use reasonable care
• Wrongful Death – in fatal cases where negligence is proven
• Premises Liability – for dangerous property conditions
• Negligent Hiring or Training – if unqualified or unsupervised staff played a role
• Violations of New York Public Health Law – governing camp licensing and inspections

Camp owners, directors, and staff—as well as third-party vendors or maintenance contractors—may all bear legal responsibility.

Hill & Moin: A Law Firm That Feels Like Family®

When disaster strikes, families need a firm they can trust, not just for legal guidance, but for empathy, clarity, and real results.

At Hill & Moin:

• We don’t treat you like a case file, we treat you like family.
• We explain your rights clearly and guide you every step of the way.
• We fight tirelessly for full and fair compensation, not just a fast settlement.

Contact Hill & Moin Today

If your child was injured or killed at a summer camp in New York, don’t wait. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and deadlines approach quickly. Call Hill & Moin, LLP today at (212) 668-6000 or visit www.hillmoin.com for a free, confidential consultation.

Your family deserves answers. Your child deserves justice.
You deserve a law firm that feels like having a lawyer in the family.®