Los Angeles, CA, January 1, 2026
The parents of 15-year-old Cosmo Silverman have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Campbell Hall School alleging negligence following a fatal incident in the school’s parking lot. Silverman was tragically killed after being pinned between a moving vehicle during student pickup. The lawsuit raises significant questions about school safety and the responsibility of educational institutions to protect their students. While the school has since implemented safety measures, the plaintiffs argue that these actions came too late to prevent the tragedy.
Los Angeles, CA – Parents Sue Campbell Hall School Over Parking Lot Fatality
Los Angeles, CA – A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the parents of 15-year-old Cosmo Silverman against Campbell Hall, a private K-12 school located in Studio City, following a tragic incident in the school’s parking lot on June 4, 2025. The lawsuit alleges negligence and significant lapses in supervision and campus safety that led to Silverman’s death.
On that fateful day, Cosmo Silverman was walking through the school’s parking lot as students were dismissed. While navigating between two vehicles in the pickup line, he was unexpectedly pinned between a moving green Rivian SUV and another vehicle. This collision sparked a series of crashes, resulting in Silverman suffering severe injuries that ultimately led to his death at a nearby hospital. Five others, including two minors, sustained minor injuries.
Details of the Lawsuit
Filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the lawsuit contends that Campbell Hall ignored necessary safety improvements in its parking lot despite prior complaints from parents. The plaintiffs assert that the school’s parking area did not adhere to state regulations concerning student safety during the critical pickup times, seeking damages for negligence and wrongful death with the potential amount to be determined by the court.
Background on Campbell Hall
Established as a private Episcopal K-12 institution, Campbell Hall has notable alumni such as Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Dakota and Elle Fanning, and several NBA players. In light of the incident, the school has taken steps to enhance safety features in the parking lot, including erecting a fence to separate the pickup line from adjacent lawn areas, creating a dedicated pedestrian pathway, and installing stop signs. However, the plaintiffs argue that these changes came too late and that timely action could have potentially averted the tragedy.
Community Repercussions
This tragic incident has initiated significant community discourse surrounding school safety protocols and the design of parking areas. The lawsuit serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive safety measures and the responsibility schools have to address community feedback regarding student safety.
Status of Legal Proceedings
The ongoing lawsuit underscores critical questions about school safety and the obligations that educational institutions carry in protecting their students. As the case develops, it highlights the necessity for schools to cultivate safe environments actively and promptly respond to stakeholder concerns that could prevent future incidents.
Key Takeaways
As this case unfolds, it serves to remind both educational institutions and families of the essentiality of safety and community engagement in schools. Parents, community members, and stakeholders may also consider advocating for better safety practices and reinforcing the collaborative responsibility we all share in seeking safer educational environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened to Cosmo Silverman?
On June 4, 2025, 15-year-old Cosmo Silverman was walking through the parking lot of Campbell Hall School in Studio City when he was pinned between two vehicles, resulting in his death.
What is the lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleges that Campbell Hall failed to implement necessary safety improvements to the parking lot despite prior complaints from parents about its design, leading to Silverman’s death.
What changes has the school made since the incident?
Following the incident, Campbell Hall added a fence separating the pickup line from a lawn, created a pedestrian pathway, and installed a stop sign to enhance safety in the parking lot.
Who are some notable alumni of Campbell Hall?
Notable alumni include Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Dakota and Elle Fanning, and NBA players Jrue, Aaron, and Justin Holiday.
What is the current status of the lawsuit?
The lawsuit is ongoing, with the plaintiffs seeking accountability for the circumstances leading to their son’s death. The case underscores the broader issue of school safety and the responsibilities of educational institutions to protect their students.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | June 4, 2025 |
| Victim | 15-year-old Cosmo Silverman |
| Location | Campbell Hall School, Studio City, CA |
| Cause of Death | Crushed between two vehicles in the school’s parking lot |
| Lawsuit Filed | December 30, 2025 |
| Allegations | Failure to implement safety improvements despite prior complaints |
| School’s Response | Implemented safety measures post-incident, including fencing and pedestrian pathways |
| Notable Alumni | Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, Dakota and Elle Fanning, Jrue, Aaron, and Justin Holiday |
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