Parents of 12-year-old boy killed by falling tree sue State of New Jersey

The parents of 12-year-old Lucas Schwartz, who was killed by a falling tree while playing in his backyard, have filed a lawsuit against New Jersey’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

The tragic incident occurred in Lawrence Township as Lucas played with his 8-year-old sister during gusty winds in October 2024.

The lawsuit claims the rotted tree from the state’s property should have been removed.

The Schwartz family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

“We, the Schwartz family, continue to be devastated by the senseless loss of our beloved son,” the family said in a statement to Action News.. “We respectfully ask for privacy as we cope with this unimaginable tragedy – one that resulted from negligence and a lack of proper care for the property involved. Our deepest hope is that no other family will ever have to endure such a heartbreaking loss.”