Investigators testified Monday that failures in planning, training and emergency response contributed to a deadly incident at Camp Mystic involving 27 girls. State investigator Casey Garrett described a lack of clear direction during dangerous conditions, saying counselors felt unable to act. “They said things like, I knew I’d be in trouble if I tried to take those girls up on that hill. I knew I would be in trouble if I tried to take those girls out in the lightning. I knew I would be in trouble if I ran to the front office in the dark in the pouring rain,” Garrett said. Garrett testified that the camp’s flood protocol consisted of a single instruction: shelter in place. Testimony also highlighted staffing challenges. Investigators said some cabins had fewer counselors than usual, and in cabins with the youngest girls, two first-year counselors, ages 17 and 18, were assigned. Investigators laid out a timeline showing delays in response. Efforts to reach girls in some cabins came nearly three hours after a flash flood warning was issued, according to testimony. Most adults on the property reported they did not realize how severe the situation had become. Families of the victims listened as details were presented in court. “It’s the last picture with my daughter, the last picture. And I got out of the car with her because I wanted to give her the biggest hug, and she was scared of thunderstorms and deathly afraid of natural disasters… and I thought that she was going to be kept safe, and she wasn’t,” said Missy Peck. Peck and her husband reacted emotionally as the timeline was described. “It’s hell to be in there. It’s hell to listen to, but we are standing in solidarity with our Heaven’s 27 crew to find out the facts, and that’s the most important thing, to find out the facts.” Investigators also testified that camp leadership was aware of flood risks, but witnesses said no one was on high alert until conditions worsened. Testimony indicated there was no incident command structure, and search and rescue volunteers were denied access for nearly 24 hours. Families said they hope the investigation leads to change. “We feel positive.” “Absolutely.” “We feel positive that this will lead to change and that our daughter and all of the other Heaven’s 27, beautiful, innocent children didn’t die in vain, that this will never, ever happen to another child, because I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.” The hearing is expected to continue on Tuesday, April 28, with additional testimony, including from another North Texas family. ...read more read less