The family of Lamar McGlothurn, an 8-year-old boy killed by a falling tree branch at a California summer camp, has secured the majority of a $19.3 million settlement. The settlement resolves a negligence lawsuit against the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), which managed Camp Wildcraft at King Gillette Ranch, and Gomez Landscape & Tree Care.
The agreement will see insurers for the MRCA pay approximately $16 million, with insurers for the camp and landscaping company contributing about $3 million, according to the Los Angeles Times. The lawsuit alleged that officials failed to address dangerous conditions despite prior warnings, presenting communications that indicated concerns about the tree before the fatal incident.
The Incident
Lamar McGlothurn died on July 9, 2025, when a large oak limb snapped and fell onto campers gathered for an activity at Camp Wildcraft. Witnesses reported hearing a loud cracking sound before the branch, estimated to be between 25 and 30 feet long and weighing hundreds of pounds, struck the group. Emergency crews responded to find multiple victims trapped or injured. Lamar was airlifted to a hospital but succumbed to blunt-force injuries, as confirmed by the Ventura County Medical Examiner.
Four other individuals were also injured in the collapse. An 11-year-old girl sustained a broken leg, a 5-year-old boy suffered cuts and a head laceration, a 22-year-old man received treatment for bruises and injuries to his head and arm, and a 73-year-old man was treated for a concussion.
The camp had been relocated to King Gillette Ranch for the 2025 summer season after its original site was affected by the Palisades Fire. The lawsuit filed by Lamar's family claimed that the defendants had ignored warning signs, including previous discussions about hazardous tree limbs, and that another branch had fallen at the camp prior to the deadly event.
Settlement Details
Under the settlement terms, Lamar's parents will receive $14.65 million, while the remaining $4.65 million will be distributed among the six other individuals injured in the incident. Attorneys for Lamar's family stated that the tragedy was preventable and that families deserve answers, transparency, and action when dangerous conditions exist on public property.
The MRCA issued a statement expressing sympathy for the McGlothurn family, acknowledging the immense loss and pain they have endured. The agency conveyed hope that the settlement would offer some solace.
The agreement concludes the legal proceedings nearly a year after the accident that resulted in the death of a young boy. The settlement was informed by evidence, including text messages from an employee of the tree care company sent the day before the incident. The employee's message noted, “It is somewhat concerning seeing all the decay at the trunk. It would be wise to thin the canopy and alleviate end weight at a minimum to mitigate risk.”