University of Oregon Sued for $16.3 Million After Tree Collapse Leaves Student Paralyzed

An Oregon student, who was permanently paralyzed when a pine tree toppled onto her on campus, is seeking a $16.3 million settlement from the University of Oregon.

Olivia Rose Edwards was a junior at the university when a 50-foot-tall pine tree fell onto her as she was walking along a tree-lined pathway on February 24, 2025. She suffered a fractured spine, leaving her lower abdomen permanently paralyzed.

In a lawsuit filed in the Lane County Circuit Court on Tuesday, her attorneys seek the multi-million-dollar settlement for pain and suffering, and for medical bills.

Her attorneys claim that the pine tree was diseased or weakened by another cause, and that this would have been detected if routine maintenance and inspection was undertaken.

In court documents, her attorneys state that Edwards had to walk past the tree because a detour redirected pedestrians along the tree-lined pathway to avoid construction work at Friendly Hall.

They further claim that the university had wood-chipped the pine tree, thereby destroying vital evidence.

There are more than 4,000 trees on the university campus, according to spokesperson Eric Howald. A team of arborists undertakes regular inspections of the trees to check their health and remove any, if necessary.