[07-09-2025] Los Angeles County, CA – 8-Year-Old Boy Killed, Four Injured by Falling Tree Branch at Calabasas Summer Camp

An 8-year-old boy was killed and four others were injured after a large tree branch fell at a summer camp in Calabasas on Wednesday afternoon, July 9, 2025.

The incident occurred around 2:50 p.m. at Camp Wildcraft, located in the 26000 block of Mulholland Highway at King Gillette Ranch. 

According to the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, a massive 25- to 30-foot oak tree branch suddenly snapped and fell onto a group gathered beneath it.

The boy who was fatally injured was sitting at a picnic table when the branch fell. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

An 11-year-old girl sustained a broken leg and was airlifted to a hospital. A 5-year-old boy suffered head lacerations and cuts. Two men, aged 22 and 73, were also injured, one with head abrasions and a bruised arm, the other with a concussion.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the group had gathered under the tree for shade when they heard cracking sounds before the branch collapsed. The incident prompted a death investigation by homicide detectives.

Camp Wildcraft had been temporarily relocated to King Gillette Ranch from Pacific Palisades due to the Palisades Fire.

Authorities from the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, which oversees the park, stated they are working closely with law enforcement and other agencies in a full investigation.