9-year-old Branson Baker became a hero after a deadly tornado hit Oklahoma, helping to save his parents during the chaos.
The Baker family was driving toward a friend’s storm shelter when a powerful EF-4 tornado struck the town of Dickson. The tornado lifted their truck, throwing it into a pile of trees. Wayne and Lindy Baker were pinned in the wreckage and severely injured. Miraculously, Branson was unharmed.
Despite the scary situation, where even adults would be stuck for a moment, thinking about what to do, he climbed out of the truck and ran for help.
“The last thing Branson told them was, ‘Mom, Dad, please don’t die. I’ll be back,’” Johnny Baker, Branson’s uncle, said.
Branson navigated through downed power lines and debris, guided only by lightning flashes, and covered about a mile in just 10 minutes to reach their friend Jason’s house. Jason and Branson rushed back to the truck with first responders, who used the Jaws of Life rescue tool to free Wayne and Lindy.
Both parents suffered broken backs, necks, and ribs. Wayne also lost part of a finger, and Lindy had a punctured lung, along with a broken jaw and hand. However, their survival and recovery are attributed to Branson’s bravery and strong faith.
The Bakers own a contracting business and are unable to work due to their injuries. To support the family, Branson’s baseball team held a fundraiser, with players wearing stickers on their helmets. Despite the chaos, Branson hit a home run that day. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family financially.
This tornado was one of 15 that hit Oklahoma, killing at least four people and destroying many homes. But Branson’s bravery serves as a reminder that love and courage can guide us through difficult times. Johnny Baker summed it up well, “He had to become his Superman and go do what he had to go do.”