The University of Oregon has responded to a $16.3 million lawsuit filed by a former student who was injured when a tree fell and crushed him earlier this year.
Olivia Rose Edwards was walking near University Auditorium during a storm on February 24 when a tree fell on her. The incident left her with “serious and permanent injuries,” including fractures to her spine, hips, ribs, legs, ankles, elbows and wrists, according to the indictment filed Oct. 28.
In a response filed Dec. 2, the UO denied any fault or negligence alleged in Edwards’ complaint, according to court records.
The University of Oregon denies that the tree fell on Edwards. According to Edwards’ complaint, a 50-foot-tall white pine fell on her. The University of Oregon claimed in its response that the white pine fell and struck a nearby maple tree, and that a branch from that maple fell on Edwards. While the University of Oregon acknowledged that Edwards was injured in the incident, it said it could not confirm the “nature, extent and potential permanent nature” of her injuries.
On February 24, 2025, a tree fell on the east side of University Auditorium, injuring a student on the University of Oregon campus.
The University of Oregon denies all accusations of negligent tree care or improper disposal of fallen trees. Edwards’ representatives asked that the tree be preserved for examination by a forensic arborist on February 25, the day after the incident. The University of Oregon claims it had already begun removing the tree before receiving the information. The University of Oregon said the branches and trunk were removed on Feb. 25 before Edwards’ attorney contacted the university.
Edwards claimed that she was unable to continue her studies at the University of Oregon due to her severe injuries. The University of Oregon responded by saying it would welcome her back whenever she is ready to return.
The lawsuit states that Edwards has paid $1.3 million in medical bills and expects to spend another $5 million in future medical bills. She is seeking an additional $10 million in damages for physical pain, emotional anguish and loss of enjoyment of life.
Miranda Cyr covers education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her at @mirandabcyr.
This article originally appeared in Register-Guard: University of Oregon denies $16.3M lawsuit over falling tree that injured student