JAMES ISLAND, S.C. — Three estates of four men who died in a November 2023 crash will receive settlements from state and city officials.
Authorities confirmed the settlements were reached regarding the families of James Hamilton, 27; Earl Hamilton Jr., 29; and Tyler Barron, 29, after the fatal incident involving “The Widowmaker,” a tree near Riverland Drive. The South Carolina Department of Transportation and the City of Charleston faced negligence accusations related to the tree's dangerous placement.
The court approved settlements ranging from $70,200 to $82,650 to be allocated into conservatorship funds for the men's minor children. This decision, made on June 17, 2025, concludes the civil lawsuit, though the DOT and the city denied liability.
Witnesses reported that the crash occurred when Brittney Nicole Roper, 25, allegedly drove approximately 95 mph before impacting the tree. All four passengers were ejected from the vehicle, with the car reportedly exploding upon impact. Roper survived with serious injuries and has been charged with multiple counts, including felony DUI resulting in death.
Since the crash, community concerns over the tree have escalated, leading to a petition for its removal which has gathered over 1,300 signatures. However, despite evaluations conducted by officials, no immediate changes have been made to the area surrounding the oak.
Local reports indicate that previous collisions with the tree have occurred, including at least 35 incidents in the decade prior to the tragic crash. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.