JAMES ISLAND — June 17, 2025 – The children of three adults killed in a 2023 crash involving a tree known as “The Widowmaker” will receive compensation from the South Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) and the City of Charleston.
The settlement, ranging from $70,200 to $82,650 per conservatorship, follows a lawsuit that accused the agencies of negligence for not removing or addressing the hazardous oak tree located near Riverland Drive, frequented by about 5,800 vehicles daily. Authorities said three of the four estates involved agreed to the settlement, while the DOT and City of Charleston denied any liability.
The November 18, 2023, collision resulted in the deaths of James Hamilton, 27, Earl Hamilton Jr., 29, Mitchell Watson, 26, and Tyler Barron, 29. Witnesses reported that the driver, Brittney Nicole Roper, was traveling approximately 95 mph before colliding with the tree. All passengers were ejected, and Roper sustained serious injuries but survived. She faces charges including reckless homicide and felony DUI with death resulting.
Emergency responders reported no significant changes have been made around “The Widowmaker” since the crash. Local advocates have pushed for safety measures, such as barriers, to prevent future incidents. Previous reports noted that over 35 vehicles had collided with trees on Riverland Drive in the decade leading up to the fatal accident.
The civil actions against DOT and the city remain unresolved, with ongoing discussions about improving safety along the roadway.