UPDATE: The parents of an 8-year-old boy who tragically lost his life after a fallen tree branch at a summer camp in Calabasas have filed a formal claim against the camp and a government agency. This urgent action, taken on November 17, 2023, raises critical questions about safety protocols at public parks.
Lamar McGlothurn’s parents arrived to pick him up from Camp Wildcraft at King Gillette Ranch on July 9, 2023, only to witness the horrifying moment when an oak tree branch fell, fatally injuring their son. The family alleges that officials were aware of the tree’s deterioration at least a week prior to the incident and failed to address the hazardous condition, despite visible decay.
“Officials had clear notice of the danger,” stated Robert Glassman, the attorney representing the McGlothurn family. “It’s documented in writing.” The claim targets Camp Wildcraft, Gomez Landscape & Tree Care, Inc., and the Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA), which oversees the park. Filing this claim is a necessary precursor to a lawsuit against public entities in California.
The MRCA confirmed that its investigation into the incident is ongoing, but declined to comment on the specifics of the pending legal matters. “The MRCA is committed to a thorough inquiry and has proposed a plan to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” the authority stated.
Documents obtained from the Southern California News Group reveal that on July 2, Scott Hughes, a park manager at MRCA, sent an email with a photo of a broken branch, highlighting ongoing concerns about the tree’s health. “Need dead wood and lightening of limbs too,” Hughes wrote. The next day, he informed a colleague about the tree’s condition, stating, “Don’t know if this limb cracking has to do with the health of the tree,” which clearly indicates prior awareness of the potential danger.
Despite these warnings, children were reportedly encouraged to gather under the tree on the day of the tragic incident. Glassman expressed the family’s desire not only for accountability but also for greater awareness among parents regarding the maintenance of parks before sending their children to summer camps.
Gilbert Gomez, an employee from the tree care company, also raised alarms about the decaying tree just a day before Lamar’s death, emphasizing the need to “thin the canopy and alleviate end weight at a minimum to mitigate the risk.” Yet, no preventive measures were taken.
As this heartbreaking story develops, the McGlothurn family hopes to shed light on safety practices at public parks, prompting other families to inquire about maintenance protocols before allowing their children to participate in summer activities.
This incident has sparked outrage and concern among parents and community members, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in ensuring children’s safety at recreational facilities.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
