South Carolina Man Opens Up After Being Rescued When Tree Fell on His Home: ‘They Thought I Was Dead’

Mar. 15, 2025

David Hamner (center right) extending a thumbs-up amid his rescue after a tree pinned him on Sept. 27, 2024, in Rock Hill, S.C.Photo:Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC/Facebook

Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC/Facebook

In a statement released on Facebook that same day, theCharlotte Fire Departmentsaid that it assisted York County, S.C. authorities in the rescue of a man — later identified in news reports as David Hamner — who was trapped under the large tree that fell into the house located on the 2000 block of Poinsett Drive in Rock Hill, S.C.

When responders arrived, three of the four victims at the scene were already rescued, the Charlotte Fire Deparment noted.

“Battalion 3, Engine 11, Rescue 10, USAR 1, and Engine 43 worked tirelessly for over an hour to free the individual,” the department said in its statement. “Thanks to their teamwork and dedication, the patient was successfully extricated and transported to a local hospital.”

The Charlotte Fire Department shared images from the incident, including one that showed the rescued man giving a thumbs-up to first responders, “showing his gratitude and spirit.”

Hamner, who was later released from the hospital, toldABC affiliate WSOCin an interview published on Friday, Oct. 4, that he thought he was going to die during the ordeal. However, a firefighter’s encouragement to concentrate on breathing and “keep fighting” got him through.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Per Fox affiliateWJZY, Hamner, his wife and their three daughters were sleeping around 6 a.m. local time on Sept. 27 – around the timeHurricane Helenehit the Carolinas — when the tree fell into the master bedroom.

Firefighters assist in the rescue of David Hamner after a tree pinned him on Sept. 27, 2024, in Rock Hill, S.C.Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC/Facebook

Hamner himself wondered if he was going to survive at that point. “I did have a few conversations with God,” he told WJZY. “There was a moment or two when I was questioning ‘Is this really it?’ ”

He also told the outlet his thumbs-up gesture was to tell his family that he was okay.

“I knew she was upset and concerned, and I was mainly just for [my wife], a little bit for the rescuers let them know ‘I’m okay, do what you got to do,’” Hamner said, per WJZY.

In the aftermath of the incident, the family has lost their home and possessions, according to the GoFundMe that has so far raised over $12,000.

“Insurance should certainly help, but this will be a long road while they have to rebuild their lives,” Guffey wrote. “If you are able to help this family in our community to ease their way back, I’m sure they would be grateful. If you are not able to help financially, please continue to keep them in your daily prayers.”

PEOPLE contacted the York County Sheriff’s Office and Guffey for additional information on Monday, Oct. 7.

To learn more about how to help with relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts from Hurricane Helene,click here.

source: people.com