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'Don't Die. I Will Be Back': 9-Year-Old Hero Saves Parents' Lives Amidst Tornado Tragedy

May 2, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Dickson, Oklahoma.

A 9-year-old boy in Oklahoma is being hailed as a hero for his courageous actions that saved his parents' lives.

Branson / Credit: GoFundMe

Wayne and Lindy Baker, accompanied by their son Branson, were navigating the treacherous stormy weather, seeking shelter from the impending tornadoes that were ravaging their community.

On the phone with Wayne's brother, Johnny, they never anticipated the horror that awaited them. As they raced towards safety, the tornado hurled their pickup truck into a pile of trees, trapping the family within its wreckage.

Johnny, the horrified witness on the other end of the line, recounted the chilling moments as he heard the tornado's roar engulf their conversation before the line abruptly went silent. "One of the most horrific scenes I've ever seen in my life," he told KTVT/CNN.

Branson was miraculously unharmed and was able to run to get help.

"The only way he found his way back is lightning strikes," Johnny said. "Every time there was a lightning strike, it would light up the road. He ran as fast as he could, as hard as he could. He probably made a mile in 10 minutes. And that's pretty impressive for a little kid."

Branson and his family / Credit: GoFundMe

Branson managed to find help, leading rescuers to his trapped parents, Wayne and Lindy. Despite suffering from severe injuries including broken necks, backs, hands, and ribs, the couple was rescued and transported to the safety of OU Medical Center.

"The last thing Branson told them was 'Mom, Dad, please don't die. I will be back,'" shared Branson's uncle, reflecting the young boy's profound love and courage in the face of adversity.

As the Baker family embarks on the road to recovery, their community rallies around them in support. Recognizing the financial strain imposed by their injuries and inability to work, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched by a friend to aid them during this challenging time.

Watch the news video below.