Los Angeles County, California — The parents of an 8-year-old boy who was fatally struck by a falling oak tree branch while attending a summer camp have reached a $14.65 million settlement, nearly a year after the heartbreaking incident that they witnessed firsthand.
The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed by the family of Lamar McGlothurn, who died in July 2025 after a large branch broke away from an oak tree at King Gillette Ranch, where Camp Wildcraft operated its summer day camp.
According to the family’s legal complaint, the tragedy could have been prevented because officials had allegedly received repeated warnings that the tree posed a serious safety risk.
Lawsuit Claimed Dangerous Tree Was Known to Officials
Lamar’s parents sued the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), which manages King Gillette Ranch, along with Camp Wildcraft and Gomez Landscape & Tree Care.
Under the settlement agreement, the family will receive $14.65 million. Reports indicate that $14.35 million will come through the MRCA and its insurance coverage, while Camp Wildcraft and Gomez Landscape & Tree Care will contribute $200,000 and $100,000, respectively.
In a statement, MRCA spokesperson Dash Stolarz expressed sympathy for the family.
“We at the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) cannot fathom the immense loss and tremendous pain the family of Lamar McGlothurn has endured from Lamar’s tragic death.”
Stolarz added that officials hoped the settlement would provide at least some comfort to Lamar’s family in the years ahead.
Parents Alleged Warnings Were Ignored
According to the lawsuit, camp staff and park officials allegedly knew that large branches had been falling from the same oak tree before Lamar’s death.
The complaint claimed that children continued participating in activities beneath the tree despite concerns about its condition.
Attorney Robert Glassman said the family pursued legal action to seek accountability and encourage stronger public safety measures.
“When dangerous conditions exist on public property, families deserve answers, transparency, and action.”
The lawsuit alleged that Lamar was participating in camp activities beneath the tree when the branch suddenly broke off and struck him. His parents had arrived to pick him up and witnessed the fatal incident.
Previous Branch Had Fallen Days Earlier
Court filings alleged that another large branch had fallen from the same tree about one week before the fatal accident.
Internal communications included in the lawsuit suggested that staff members had recognized the potential danger after the earlier incident.
One email referenced in the complaint reportedly stated:
“Wow. That was a massive branch. Thank god that no one was seriously hurt or killed… I would not have been able to sleep at night knowing that branch was just waiting to fall.”
The family’s attorneys also alleged that a tree care worker had warned about visible decay, structural deterioration and excessive weight in the tree’s canopy, recommending corrective action.
According to the complaint, those recommendations were never carried out before the fatal accident.
Family Hopes Case Improves Public Safety
Following the incident, experts retained by the family’s legal team reportedly found evidence of long-term decay, structural defects and visible warning signs that they believe should have been addressed before the tree failed.
The lawsuit argued that proper inspection and maintenance could have prevented the tragedy.
While the financial settlement cannot undo the family’s loss, attorneys said they hope the outcome encourages public agencies and youth organizations to take potential hazards more seriously to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should parks and summer camps face stricter inspection requirements when potential safety hazards are identified? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.