Overview

• A heavy branch snapped from a tree at Camp Wildcraft in King Gillette Ranch on Wednesday afternoon, fatally striking one child and injuring four others near a picnic area.
• L.A. County Fire Department crews arrived within minutes, provided first aid at the scene and arranged for the critically injured child to be airlifted to a trauma center.
• The L.A. County Sheriff's Department homicide unit is investigating the death to determine whether negligence or maintenance failures contributed to the incident.
• The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority has pledged full cooperation with investigators and committed to a transparent examination of the ranch's tree maintenance practices.
• Park officials have initiated a hazard assessment review and local agencies are coordinating counseling and support services for the families affected.