What was meant to be a fun birthday outing for a 13-year-old quickly turned into a nightmare for one California family.
Adela Magaña, 53, lost her arm after a massive palm tree unexpectedly fell on her during a visit to Golf N’ Stuff in Ventura, roughly 70 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
The Moment Everything Changed
Adela was sitting on a bench while her husband, Amando, and their children played the third hole of the mini golf course.
Suddenly, a 40-foot palm tree toppled directly onto her, sending shockwaves through the family.
Witnesses described a loud “screeching sound” followed by a “big old thump,” alerting Amando and their 22-year-old son, Junior, to the disaster.
Heroic Efforts to Save Her
Junior, Amando, and two Good Samaritans rushed to lift the tree off Adela.
Tragically, her arm was severely mangled and bleeding heavily. Junior recalled acting quickly: “We went straight into stopping the bleeding.
We got a belt, used it as a tourniquet, held it and had other people call 911.”
Paramedics arrived promptly and transported Adela to Ventura County Medical Center.
Surgeons immediately operated in an attempt to save her arm, but the nerves and blood vessels were too badly damaged.
By the following day, the decision was made to amputate just below her shoulder.
Recovery Ahead and Family Support
Adela is currently unable to speak but can communicate by nodding.
She faces a long road ahead, including further surgeries, fitting for a prosthetic arm, and intensive rehabilitation.
Her daughter, Nancy, praised her mother for her strength: “She’s a very strong woman,” Nancy said, acknowledging the “long journey” ahead.
The emotional impact on the family is also profound.
Thirteen-year-old Damien witnessed the trauma firsthand, and Nancy admits it will take time for him to heal.
“It’s a lot to take in as a 13-year-old,” she said. “It’s always going to be there for him.”
A Family Favorite Spot Now Shadowed by Tragedy
The Magaña family has visited Golf N’ Stuff countless times, as mini golf is Damien’s favorite activity.
Junior explained that the mid-week visit was simply an attempt to make his birthday “special,” making the accident all the more heartbreaking.
Golf N’ Stuff Responds
The amusement park confirmed on August 7 that it remains open but has not publicly commented further on the incident.
Daily Mail has also reached out for additional details.
About Adela Magaña
Adela is a mother of four and a grandmother who works in an Automotive Racing Products factory.
She enjoys spending time with her family and had planned nothing more than a simple, fun birthday celebration for her son when tragedy struck.
