Rock Hill Family Faces Challenges After Storm’s Destruction
Rock Hill, S.C. was recently rocked by the powerful winds and heavy rainfall of Tropical Storm Helene, leaving behind a trail of devastation. However, amid the chaos, a remarkable story of survival has emerged that continues to uplift the community.
The Rescue
On September 27, David Hamner found himself in an unimaginable situation when a massive tree unexpectedly fell on his home. As he lay pinned beneath the heavy weight of the tree, he couldn’t breathe. His heart raced while he struggled for air, and thoughts of dread filled his mind. David described the moment saying, “I woke up to being pinned down, the weight bearing down on me. I couldn’t breathe from the beginning.”
Fortunately, his brave wife managed to dial 911, and emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene. While they ensured her safety, the firefighters began a difficult two-hour rescue mission to reach David. Hamner recounted, “All I could see was a hole in a wall. Once they found my head, they punched through, made it bigger, and was able to get an oxygen mask down there.” Despite the pain and struggle, David fought on, encouraged by a dedicated firefighter who remained by his side the entire time.
A Moment of Hope
When David was finally freed from the wreckage, he managed to flash a thumbs-up to rescuers as he was loaded onto a stretcher. His determination was palpable, and it became an image of hope for everyone involved. He recalled how at one point, firefighters thought he might not make it, saying, “They thought I was dead multiple times, and if I wasn’t dead, my whole left side was going to be completely crushed.”
Miraculously, after several tests, David left the hospital without any broken bones. He shared, “By the grace of God, after tests, I walked out of the hospital without a broken bone.” His recovery has been nothing short of a miracle, and onlookers are amazed by his resilience.
The Family’s Journey
Now safely out of the hospital for several days, the Hamner family is staying in a hotel while they grapple with the reality of losing their home. David is a devoted husband and father of three beautiful daughters, ages 11 and 5-year-old twins. During the harrowing scene, while David was under the tree, his daughters bravely worked their way to safety.
His twins amazed him with their determination and resourcefulness. “They like a couple of little squirrels,” he laughed, recalling how they climbed through a wall opening and jumped down to safety. This moment of bravery adds to the list of miracles that stemmed from a disaster.
Looking Ahead
Even though they have a long road of recovery ahead, the family is filled with gratitude. David expressed deep appreciation for the firefighters who risked their lives to save him, saying he looks forward to meeting them face-to-face. Despite the destruction around them, the Hamner family is united and thankful for their well-being.
Community Support
The Rock Hill community has come together and is supporting the Hamner family during this challenging time. Many are looking for ways to assist, whether through donations or helping the family find a new place to call home. As David said, “There were a couple of times I really did think it was the end,” he is now focusing on the future, filled with hope and love for his family.
Though Tropical Storm Helene caused significant disruptions, the courage and determination displayed by the Hamner family remind us all of the strength found in community and in the human spirit. They might be down, but they are definitely not out.
