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Parents File Government Claim Alleging Negligence in Boy’s Death at King Gillette Ranch

The filing triggers a 45-day response window for the public agency before a wrongful-death lawsuit can proceed.

Overview

  • The claim follows the July 9 incident in which 8-year-old Lamar McGlothurn was fatally struck by a falling oak branch during Camp Wildcraft pickup, with several others injured.
  • The filing names the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Camp Wildcraft and its owners, and Gomez Landscape & Tree Care.
  • Records cited in the claim show a July 2 limb failure from the same tree and internal MRCA emails noting the severity of the branch loss days before the fatal fall.
  • The complaint says a tree contractor warned of trunk decay and recommended thinning the canopy, while children were still gathered beneath the tree at camp.
  • MRCA says its investigation remains open and that it will review the claim through the legal process, as the family prepares for potential wrongful-death litigation.