Portland Mother Sues Over Son’s 2021 Death

Portland Mother Sues Over Son's 2021 Death

A Portland mother, following a tragic accident, has brought a $29 million lawsuit against Central Catholic High School and Friends of Trees.

At a Glance

  • A mother is suing for $29 million following the death of her son at a tree-planting event.
  • Christopher Kelly was killed by a falling tree branch during the event.
  • The event continued despite adverse weather forecasts and warnings.
  • The lawsuit claims negligence in ensuring student safety during the event.

Details of the Lawsuit

Christina Kelly, mother of 14-year-old Christopher Kelly, has filed a lawsuit against Central Catholic High School and Friends of Trees. Christopher died during a tree-planting event at Sandy River Delta when a falling tree branch struck him. The lawsuit seeks $29 million in damages, alleging negligence in providing adequate safety measures during the event.

The tragic incident happened on November 5, 2021, amid worsening weather conditions. The lawsuit alleges negligence by ignoring National Weather Service warnings of thunderstorms, which posed a potential danger to the volunteers, including Kelly. Concerns hover around the non-implementation of a safety plan during adverse weather conditions.

Events Leading to the Tragedy

The lawsuit claims thunder and strong winds were reported nearby during the event, necessitating the need for safety measures. Some participants, including an arborist, sought shelter, yet Christopher continued working. A large section of a black cottonwood tree, known for vulnerability during windstorms, fell and fatally injured him.

“Our community was deeply saddened by the tragic death of freshman Christopher Kelly in 2021 and continues to share our sympathy with the Kelly family. We were made aware of the lawsuit on Friday and it would not be appropriate to comment at this time,” Central Catholic said in a statement.

Despite weather forecasts, the event was not postponed, and the lawsuit argues it should have been. Moreover, participants were not moved to safety, breaching weather safety protocols. This oversight highlights severe negligence on the part of the event organizers, alleged in the lawsuit.

Inside the Courtroom

The $29 million lawsuit filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court by the law firm Pickett Dummigan Weingart underscores failures to protect volunteers during severe weather. Central Catholic High School extended sympathies to the Kelly family but remained silent on detailed litigation discussions.

Friends of Trees commented on feeling devastated by the incident but, like Central Catholic, refrained from discussing pending legal actions. As the lawsuit unfolds, it raises the pressing question of accountability and safety within extracurricular school activities.

Sources

  1. Mom of teen who died while planting trees sues school, organization for $29M
  2. Friends of Trees, Central Catholic face $29M suit after student dies from falling tree
  3. Mom of 14-year-old Portland student who died when tree fell on him files $29M suit