Branch that killed boy, 8, at Calabasas park fell from tree with known decay

Newly obtained text messages reveal an employee with a tree care company warned of decay on an oak tree at King Gillette Ranch Park in Calabasas a day before a branch fell during a summer camp and killed an 8-year-old boy, The Orange County Register reported.

"It is somewhat concerning seeing all the decay at the trunk. It would be wise to thin the canopy and alleviate end weight at a minimum to mitigate risk,” an employee identified only as Gilbert wrote in a text message on July 8, according to the outlet.

On July 9, the 8-year-old, now identified as Lamar McGlothurn, along with several others in attendance at Camp Wildcraft were struck when the 25-30 foot long branch snapped off the tree.

McGlothurn was airlifted to a hospital where he later died from blunt force crush injuries, acco