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Family Survives Tree Accident, Father Talks From Hospital

A family is separated by state lines, in different hospitals, as they recover from a tree accident that happened early Sunday morning. The tree collapsed on a tent at Lake Manawa State Park. Inside the tent were 23-year-old Alicia Nichols, 25-year-old Timothy Hiers Jr. and 3-year-old Timothy Hiers III. All were seriously injured.

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Reporter: Lauren Squires

Tree Accident

“It was "snap" that quick and everything happened,” said Timothy Hiers.

From his hospital bed Hiers recalls just how fast things changed Saturday night.

“It's hard to believe that we made it out of there. I really thank God that I had friends out there, otherwise we could still be lying under that tree,” said Hiers.

The tree was at the campsite where his fiancée, Alicia Nichols, their three-year-old son and two other friends were sleeping.

“I just heard a loud boom,” said Hiers.

Still in a sleepy state, he found his son inside the tent as the storm continued outside.

“I ripped the tent open and ran to the van with him,” said Hiers.

Moments later his friend found Alicia, still inside the tent and badly injured by the fallen tree.

“When I heard that loud boom all I saw was white so I thought maybe it got hit by lightning,” said Hiers.

It was only later, after he saw photos in daylight, that he realized the tree fell on their tent. That’s because Sunday morning, he was focused on getting to the hospital.

“I’m scared, it was real scary holding my women all the way here, just seeing her nod off. It was really scary the thought of losing someone I love,” said Hiers.

Monday, all three remained in the ICU. Alicia and Timothy were in Council Bluffs while their son Timmy was in Omaha at Nebraska Medical Center.

“I just keep praying that she and my son will be okay and that we'll all be together real soon,” said Hiers.

A fund is currently being set up to help the family with medical bills and time off work. Check back with WOWT.COM for details.