Family of 8-Year-Old Victim Secures $19.3 Million Settlement Over Fatal Camp Tree Collapse
On July 9, 2025, a towering oak tree at Camp Wildcraft, nestled within the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority’s King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, California, snapped a massive 30‑foot limb that crashed onto a group of children and counselors. The impact fatally injured 8‑year‑old Lamar McGlothurn and injured four others, including two additional children.
Nearly a year later, the McGlothurn family reached a settlement exceeding $19 million, ending a prolonged wrongful‑death lawsuit. The settlement allocates approximately $16 million from insurers covering the MRCA, the public agency that manages the 588‑acre ranch, while the remaining $3 million comes from insurers representing Camp Wildcraft and Gomez Landscape & Tree Care, the company tasked with maintaining the property.
Under the terms, $14.65 million will be paid directly to Lamar’s parents, with the balance of $4.65 million divided among the six other victims who survived the collapse. The agreement also includes a public statement from the MRCA expressing sympathy for the family and emphasizing a commitment to improved safety.
Why the Accident Was Preventable
Evidence presented during the case detailed multiple warning signs that the oak tree was in a state of decay. Employees of the landscaping firm raised concerns in internal communications the day before the tragedy, noting visible decay and recommending canopy thinning to reduce end‑weight. A prior branch from the same tree had fallen days earlier, prompting discussions among staff about the potential danger. Despite these alerts, the area beneath the tree remained open for camp activities, and the faulty tree was not removed.
Family lawyer Robert Glassman described the incident as “entirely preventable,” emphasizing that “when dangerous conditions exist on public property, families deserve answers, transparency, and action.” The lawsuit alleged negligence on the part of the MRCA, Camp Wildcraft, and the landscaping contractor for failing to adequately inspect, maintain, or remove the hazardous tree.
Implications for Camp Safety and Premises Liability
The settlement underscores the critical responsibility of public agencies and private operators to conduct thorough tree inspections, especially in settings where children gather. It also highlights the legal precedent that property owners can be held liable when they ignore credible warnings about structural hazards.
Local officials and park managers have already pledged to review safety protocols across all MRCA‑managed sites, with a focus on regular arboricultural assessments and stricter supervision of high‑risk areas.
For the McGlothurn family, the financial compensation offers some measure of relief, but it cannot replace the loss of their son. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive maintenance in public recreational spaces.
