Full Breakdown
Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Over James Island “Widowmaker” Tree Fatal Crash
6/25/2026, 3:54:39 AM
The Fatal Collision and Settlement Agreement
On November 18, 2023, a vehicle traveling on Riverland Drive near George Griffith Boulevard on James Island left the roadway and struck a large oak known as the “Widowmaker” tree. Four passengers—Earl Hamilton Jr. (29), James Hamilton (27), Mitchell Watson (26) and Tyler Barron (29)—were ejected from the vehicle, suffered fatal injuries, and died at the scene. The driver, Brittney Nicole Roper (26), survived with injuries, was charged with four counts of felony DUI resulting in death, and later booked at the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center. Over two years after the 2023 crash, South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and City of Charleston agreed to pay settlements ranging from $70,000 to $82,000 to victims’ estates.
Background: The “Widowmaker” Tree Controversy
The oak, located within the City of Charleston’s jurisdiction but adjacent to a roadway maintained by SCDOT, has been labeled a “widowmaker” by local residents for years. Community members circulated petitions before and after the 2023 collision, urging municipal officials to remove the tree due to its perceived danger to motorists.
Key Individuals and Agencies
- Victims: Earl Hamilton Jr., James Hamilton, Mitchell Watson, Tyler Barron.
- Driver: Brittney Nicole Roper, charged with four felony DUI counts.
- Agencies: South Carolina Department of Transportation; City of Charleston.
Timeline
- Nov 18 2023 – Fatal crash involving the “Widowmaker” tree.
- Jan 2024 – Driver Brittney Roper booked; bond denied.
- June 2024 – Judge grants Roper a $50,000 bond.
- Settlement – Settlement reached between SCDOT and City of Charleston (date not disclosed).
Data and Statistics
- Settlement amount: $70,000–$82,000 per estate.
- Victims’ ages: 26–29.
- Driver’s blood-alcohol concentration: .090 percent.
- Reported speed: 78–88 mph (speed limit 40 mph).
- Charges: Four felony DUI counts.
Official Responses
SCDOT and the City of Charleston acknowledged liability concerns by entering the settlement, indicating a willingness to address claims that the tree posed an unmitigated hazard.
Criticism and Opposition
Local advocacy groups continue to demand removal of the oak, citing the fatal crash as evidence of inadequate risk mitigation. Petitions circulated after the settlement emphasize that the tree remains a public safety threat.
On-the-Ground Findings
Police reports confirmed that none of the four victims were wearing seatbelts, contributing to their ejection from the vehicle. The driver’s elevated speed and BAC were documented as primary factors in the collision, while the tree’s location was identified as a longstanding point of contention.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The settlement range ($70,000–$82,000) reflects an unspecified final figure, and the source provides no direct statements from SCDOT or City officials regarding future tree management. Additionally, the article does not clarify whether any engineering assessments have been conducted post-settlement.
What’s Next
The “Widowmaker” tree remains standing, and municipal authorities have not disclosed scheduled removal or redesign of the roadway. Continued community pressure may prompt further legal or administrative action, while the settled estates receive compensation for their losses.
