8-Year-Old Boy Was Killed at a Camp – Details

The parents' complaint, which cited early warnings from park personnel, was filed months after their child was tragically killed one afternoon at summer camp.

The heartbroken parents of 8-year-old Lamar McGlothurn have filed a legal claim, accusing officials of ignoring known dangers they say led to their son's death.

Just one week earlier, during what should have been a joyful summer afternoon, a massive tree branch came crashing down at a California camp, killing McGlothurn in a tragedy that has since sparked grief and calls for accountability.

Legal Action Follows Campground Tragedy

On November 17, 2025, McGlothurn's family filed a legal claim with the State of California, naming the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) — which oversees King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas — as responsible for ignoring clear warnings about a dangerously decaying oak tree.

According to the family's lawsuit, this wasn't the first time the tree had caused concern. Large branches had previously fallen, yet MRCA and camp staff allegedly "directed groups of young children to play, paint and rest directly under the tree."

"That is exactly what Lamar was doing when he was tragically killed by the falling branch," the lawsuit added.

Early Warnings, No Response

The complaint also shared a troubling pattern of inaction leading up to the deadly day when the boy died at Camp Wildcraft, held at King Gillette Ranch. On July 2, MRCA staff raised alarms when a large limb snapped and hung precariously.

Gilbert Gomez, a contractor from Gomez Landscape & Tree Care, was brought in to assess the danger. After examining the tree, he texted a warning that it was "somewhat concerning seeing all the decay at the trunk." Barbara Collins, MRCA Deputy Chief of Developed Resources and Special Events, alerted colleagues the next day, July 3:

"Want you to be aware of this. This is that oak at the front of the part, side lawn across from the pond that you are watching. Limb cracked yesterday, a big one...Don't know if this limb cracking has to do with health of the tree, so thought I'd let you know."

Meanwhile, another MRCA division chief called the branch "massive," writing, "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." However, no measures were taken at the time.

In a statement to People, MRCA declined to comment on the parents' legal filing but said, "From day one, the MRCA has been committed to a full, thorough, and transparent inquiry, with a proposed action plan to ensure that a tragedy like this never occurs again."

The agency confirmed the investigation remains open and said it continues to cooperate fully with all involved parties.

Final Moments Before Disaster

It was an unfortunate tragedy, made even more chilling by its ominous timing. On July 9, just a week after internal staff warnings were raised, another massive branch from the same oak tree broke loose. This time, it struck and killed McGlothurn.

According to ABC News, two others sustained minor injuries. One mother also told the outlet that several branches broke off a large tree and fell on multiple people as she arrived around 3 p.m. to pick up her child.

Meanwhile, another mom who was in the area recalled the incident, "I was just driving down the street and I heard all these cops and ambulances, and I went online right away to Citizen app. Nothing popped up at first. I had no idea, and just so bad. I just feel horrible for the families and anyone involved."

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department launched an investigation but withheld Lamar's name at first. Following the incident, MRCA released a public statement:

Following the incident, MRCA released a public statement, "Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow. Our hearts are with the child's family, friends, and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy. The safety and well-being of children and adults in our parks is and always will be our highest priority."