On Thursday, July 10, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau launched an investigation into the death of an 8-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a massive oak tree branch during a summer camp.
The incident reportedly took place at the King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, an unincorporated area of the county near Calabasas, as per the city news agency. According to the LA County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred around 2:50 p.m. on Wednesday at Camp Wildcraft on Mulholland Highway where apart from the deceased boy, 4 others were injured, including 2 children and 2 adult males.
The boy who was struck ultimately succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, with law enforcement yet to release his identity. Among the 4 injured individuals, an 11-year-old girl suffered a fractured leg and was airlifted to the hospital for emergency treatment; a 5-year-old boy sustained cuts and a head laceration; a 22-year-old man had head abrasions and bruising on his arm; and a 73-year-old man suffered a concussion.
Police explained that the weather was hot at the time of the accident, with several victims seeking shade under a large tree, preparing to end their day’s activities. Suddenly, they heard the sound of wood splitting, followed by a massive tree branch falling directly on them. “Preliminary estimates indicate that the fallen oak tree branch was approximately 25 to 30 feet long.”
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, responsible for managing the 588-acre park, stated that they are closely cooperating with the authorities and will conduct a thorough and transparent investigation. In their statement, the organization expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of a child at the King Gillette Ranch summer camp. They said, “Words cannot express our grief. Our hearts are with the family, friends, and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy.”
According to Fox11, the summer camp typically takes place in Pacific Palisades, but due to the Palisades fire, it was temporarily relocated to the King Gillette Ranch. The LA County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau is urging anyone with information to call (323) 890-5500 to provide tips to the authorities.