College Student Paralyzed After Tree Crushes Her on Campus

A University of Oregon student is suing the school for $16 million after a tree fell on her earlier this year, leaving her permanently paralyzed, according to court documents.

Olivia Rose Edwards says she was walking along a tree-lined path on campus on February 24 when a 50-foot white pine came crashing down, fracturing her spine and leaving her lower body paralyzed. The college junior also suffered broken ribs, a fractured pelvis and leg, and internal injuries.

Edwards’ lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Lane County Circuit Court, claims the university failed to properly maintain or inspect the tree, which she says “was fatally weakened by disease or some other cause.” She says she had to walk near the tree because campus construction rerouted students past it.

Her attorneys note that the accident occurred just days after an atmospheric river hit Oregon. Edwards alleges that the university failed to warn students about soggy grounds and dangerous branches until after her injuries. She also claims the tree was later chipped and removed, destroying “critical evidence.”

Edwards is seeking $16.3 million to cover medical bills, future care, and pain and suffering. So far, she has racked up $1.3 million in medical costs and estimates $5 million in future expenses.

The University of Oregon said it is “heartbroken” over the accident and noted that campus staff regularly inspect and remove trees as needed. A spokesperson called the incident “a terrible accident caused by an extreme weather event.”