Oklahoma Tornado: 9-Year-Old Speaks Out After Assisting in the Rescue of His Parents

Oklahoma Tornado 9 year old After Assisting Rescue parents

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald May 07, 07:30 am

Photo: (Photo : STR/AFP via Getty Images)

A 9-year-old boy, Branson, shares his experience of assisting in the rescue of his parents after a destructive EF-4 tornado in Oklahoma.

Baker Family Experienced the Impact of Tornado

Branson, along with his parents Wayne and Lindy Baker, found themselves amid severe weather on April 27 in Dickson. Racing to safety, they headed towards a friend's storm cellar, but the tornado seemed to follow their path.

Governor J. Kevin Stitt confirmed at least four fatalities in the storms that struck Oklahoma. Branson's bravery is acknowledged for aiding in his parents' rescue after a tree uprooted by the tornado struck their truck, trapping them.

Branson managed to escape and ran over a mile to seek help, urging his parents not to give up.

Wayne Baker praised his son's swift actions, emphasizing his courage at such a young age. Johnny Baker, Wayne's brother, described the harrowing moment when the tree hit the truck while he was on the phone with the family.

Emergency services arrived, and Branson returned with assistance. Wayne sustained back, neck, and arm injuries, while Lindy remains hospitalized. Wayne expressed profound pride in his son's bravery and determination.

Despite the trauma, Branson played a baseball game the following day, dedicating his performance to his parents. He hit a home run and executed a double play, showcasing his resilience and love for his family.

9-Year-Old Boy Sought Assistance to Rescue His Parents

A young boy, aged 9, from Oklahoma, is being celebrated as a hero following a tornado that flung his parents' truck into a cluster of trees, leaving them hospitalized with severe injuries.

Wayne and Lindy Baker sustained significant injuries after their vehicle, accompanied by their son Branson, was swept up by an EF-4 tornado in Marietta, Oklahoma, on April 27.

The family had been en route to Dickson, Oklahoma, to seek refuge in a storm shelter as fifteen tornadoes ravaged the state over the weekend, resulting in the reported deaths of four individuals and widespread destruction of homes and businesses.

Wayne and Lindy both suffered broken backs, necks, and ribs, with Wayne also enduring a broken arm, sternum, and partial finger loss, while Lindy suffered a broken jaw, right hand, and punctured lung.

While the parents were trapped in the vehicle, their son Branson managed to escape and seek help, covering a mile in total darkness due to a power outage before reaching a neighbor's house for assistance.

Branson's uncle, Johnny Baker, recounted the ordeal, revealing that he was on the phone with his brother when the accident occurred.

Racing to the scene, he found the couple in the wreckage while Branson sought aid. Wayne and Lindy were then transported to OU Medical Center for treatment.

Amidst the chaos, Branson uttered heartfelt words to his parents, expressing his plea for their survival before embarking on his mission to seek help.

Wayne and Lindy, both independent contractors, have had their ability to work impacted by the incident due to their injuries, prompting the initiation of a GoFundMe campaign to support the family.

Reflecting on the night of the incident, organizer Teri Lloyd described the profound impact it had on the community, with one of the tornadoes directly affecting the Baker family. She praised Branson's bravery, highlighting his heroic actions and underscoring his potential for greatness.