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Families Settle $75K, Call for ‘Widowmaker’ Tree Removal

6/25/2026

42 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A settlement of $70,000-$82,000 per victim’s estate was reached while community petitions seek removal of the “Widowmaker” tree, which remains under city and state jurisdiction.
Four men died when their car left Riverland Drive on James Island and struck the “Widowmaker” tree on November 18, 2023.
Driver Brittney Roper faces felony DUI charges after a .090 blood alcohol level and 78-88 mph speeds, and was released on a $50,000 bond.

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Story summary

A settlement of $70,000-$82,000 per victim’s estate was reached while community petitions seek removal of the “Widowmaker” tree, which remains under city and state jurisdiction.
Four men died when their car left Riverland Drive on James Island and struck the “Widowmaker” tree on November 18, 2023.
Driver Brittney Roper faces felony DUI charges after a .090 blood alcohol level and 78-88 mph speeds, and was released on a $50,000 bond.