The family of a woman killed when an oak tree fell onto the family car in Pearson Park received a $5.75 million settlement from the city of Anaheim, according to the family’s attorneys.
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Maria de la Luz Cruz was in a parked car while her husband and 10-year-old son played tennis at the park courts on Feb. 19, 2023 when a tree collapsed and crushed the family’s Ford Explorer, killing Cruz, according to a lawsuit filed by the Carrillo Law Firm, which represented the family.
Cruz’s husband and son saw the tree fall and tried to rescue Cruz, but could not because of the tree’s size and weight, according to the suit.
The family argued that the city knew or should have known that the tree was dangerous, but did not do anything, though it is their duty to maintain the park.
The City of Anaheim confirmed the $5.75 million amount, with $2.75 million going to the law firm and the balance to the surviving husband and boy, according to city spokesperson Mike Lyster. The settlement was reached in July, but the Orange County Register learned of it this week.
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The lawsuit alleged that the city and the contractors hired for tree maintenance “ failed to adequately assess and address the oak’s condition,” though the tree was leaning towards the street, and had a branch removed and conditions that affected the tree’s roots, according to the Carrillo firm.
An inspection after Cruz’s death by an arborist showed that the tree was unstable because of “extensive” root rot, the suit said.
The city said in a statement, “Now, as then, our thoughts go out to those who lost a loved one. While we disagree with some characterizations, there are times when a settlement is best for all involved, and that’s the case here. We wish the family well as they move forward.”
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