Massive tree branch falls at summer camp and kills 8-year-old, California cops say

An 8-year-old died after a tree branch fell on him while at summer camp, California officials said.

On July 9, the 8-year-old and a group of other kids and adults decided to get some shade under an oak tree at the camp in Calabasas, according to a news release by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

They were attending Camp Wildcraft at King Gillette Ranch, ABC News reported, citing authorities.

The group, consisting of the child, an 11-year-old, a 5-year-old, a 22-year-old and a 73-year-old were sitting under the tree when they “heard cracks,” deputies said.

Then a 25-foot to 30-foot branch fell from the tree, landing on top of them, deputies said.

Deputies arrived at the scene to find camp staff helping the group, the sheriff’s office said.

The 8-year-old was transported to a hospital, where he eventually died, deputies said.

The 11-year-old had to be airlifted and was treated for a broken leg, the 5-year-old had cuts, the 22-year-old sustained bruising to his body and the 73-year-old got a concussion, deputies said.

“My heart is with everyone impacted by the tragic situation at King Gillette Ranch,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.

Children as young as 4 1/2 years old can attend Camp Wildcraft, and middle schoolers can attend as junior guides, the camp’s website said.

“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,” Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which manages the park, said in a statement to KABC.

Anyone with information is asked to call 323-890-5500, deputies said.

Calabasas is about a 30-mile drive northwest from downtown Los Angeles.