What happened to Ronan Kerr at the San Diego park?

Ronan Kerr, a 4-year-old boy, was tragically killed when a large branch from a eucalyptus tree fell on him at a San Diego play park.

How did Ronan's father, Cathal Kerr, try to save his son?

Cathal Kerr desperately tried to push his two sons out of the way of the falling branch, but was only able to save his older son Charlie. Tragically, the branch struck and killed Ronan.

What is the Kerr family doing to honor Ronan's memory?

The Kerr family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of San Diego, claiming it failed to properly maintain and inspect the dangerous eucalyptus trees in the park. Their goal is to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Grieving Parents Sue City After Son's Tragic Death in Park Accident

Grieving Parents Sue City After Son's Tragic Death in Park Accident

13 Nov

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Summary

Father's desperate final act to save son from falling tree branch
Couple files wrongful death lawsuit against city for failing to maintain trees
Family's heartbreak and efforts to honor son's memory and prevent future tragedies

Grieving Parents Sue City After Son's Tragic Death in Park Accident

In a heartbreaking incident that occurred over a year ago, a father in San Diego, California, recounted his desperate final act to save his young son from a falling tree branch. On the fateful day in 2024, Cathal Kerr was playing with his two sons, Charlie and Ronan, at a local park when a 34-foot-long branch from a eucalyptus tree came crashing down from over 30 feet above them.

Kerr managed to push his older son Charlie and his friend out of harm's way, but tragically, his 4-year-old son Ronan was struck by the thick branch and killed. Kerr sustained serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, in his attempt to shield his children. Ronan spent a week on life support before his heartbroken parents made the difficult decision to take him off.