Woman’s Family Sues City After Renzie Death

Lawsuit claims maintenance of trees in park was negligent, seeks damages

By Staff Reports
The Tube City Almanac
August 22, 2025
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

These photos are included in a lawsuit filed by the family of a Ligonier woman who died July 24 after an accident in Renziehausen Park. The family of Gendie N. Miller, 49, alleges the city was negligent in its maintenance of trees near the Sulfur Springs area. (Allegheny County Common Pleas Court exhibit)

The family of a Westmoreland County woman who died after a branch fell on her in Renziehausen Park has sued the city, claiming it was negligent in its maintenance of the trees.

The estate of Gendie N. Miller, 49, seeks lost wages, reimbursement for medical and funeral bills, and punitive damages for emotional distress on behalf of Miller’s husband, William, and daughter, Marlee, both of Ligonier. The suit was filed Thursday in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court.

Marlee Miller was competing in a softball camp for prospective college athletes on July 24 and her parents were spectators when the incident occurred, according to court filings.

According to the complaint and published reports, the camp was taking place at a softball field on the south end of the park near the Sulfur Springs. The Millers had sought shade under a large tulip tree near a concession stand and Gendie Miller was seated in a portable chair when a large branch fell and struck her, according to the lawsuit.

Miller was taken to AHN Forbes Hospital in Monroeville and died about an hour later from her injuries, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said.

The complaint, filed by Pittsburgh attorney Richard G. Talarico, alleges that tulip trees “are known to have branches prone to falling and require routine maintenance and inspection.”

The complaint alleges that another large, dead tree branch continued hanging precariously over a nearby walking trail between July 24, when the accident occurred, and Aug. 11, when it was removed.

“Despite the catastrophic loss of life, the following day, (the city) failed to cordon off the at-issue tree and the pedestrian (and) spectator zone, and pedestrians (and) spectators were permitted to congregate in that area,” the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit argues that the city is not protected by governmental immunity because, the family alleges, it was negligent in failing to “properly (and) sufficiently” inspect trees, failing to warn the public of dangers posed by loose or dead tree branches, and “providing a premises that was unsafe to use.”

The lawsuit alleges that William Miller experienced “immediate and substantial emotional harm” by being seated “inches away” from his wife when the fatal incident occurred.

A city spokesperson confirmed knowledge of the lawsuit but said Gendie Miller’s death was a “tragic accident.”

“While the City of McKeesport extends our deepest sympathies to the Miller family in response to this tragic loss, we would have had no means to predict a fatal incident stemming from an otherwise healthy tree,” Solicitor J. Jason Elash said. “The city maintains an extensive tree-monitoring program in Renziehausen Park and will continue to do so moving forward. No one could have prevented the tragic events that occurred on July 24.”

According to an obituary, Gendie Miller was a graduate of Tyrone Area High School, where she was a standout athlete, scoring more than 1,000 points in four years as a varsity starter and was inducted into the hall of fame; and Juniata College, where she earned a degree in criminal justice. In addition to her husband and daughter, Miller was survived by her mother, Judy Haverstein; a sister, Tobie Bickle; and a nephew and in-laws.

The family suggested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions could be made to Marlee Miller’s college fund. Checks may be sent to College America, and mailed to the family in care of 1429 Route 30, Ligonier, PA 15658.

Originally published August 22, 2025.

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