Two brothers have died in North Carolina after a tree fell on their mobile home while they were inside.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Per a report by People, Connestee Fire Rescue responded to a call on Sunday, March 16, at around 3:30 am after a tree fell onto a mobile home in Brevard. Josiah Leviskia, 13, and his younger brother, Joshua, 11, were both inside at the time and died of their injuries.
According to WSFA, both boys attended Brevard Middle School. The tree reportedly fell due to the storms sweeping through the area over the weekend.
In an interview with the outlet, the boy's father, Nathaniel Leviskia said, "All I heard was a loud boom. And then I rushed to get my clothes on and pulled my daughter out from under the rubble." He explained that his daughter and sons slept close together. The tree narrowly missed her and rolled towards the boys. "She got pinned under, but I was able to pull her out," he said.
The interviewer asked Leviskia when he realized the boys were gone. He said he waited for the Sheriff's Department and Fire Department to let him know. "They said the way that the tree (fell) and how fast it went, they died instantaneously. So, at least they didn't suffer," he explained.
The Fallen Tree Cut The Mobile House In Half
Per People, Fire Chief Chase Owen stated the tree had 'cut a single wide trailer in half.'
"I don't think they were able to comprehend that the children were deceased and still holding out hope, which I would as well if it was my children," Owen said.
A GoFundMe page for the family explains, "A tree fell onto Sharon and Nathaniel Leviskia's home, completely destroying their trailer and one of their vehicles. Most devastating of all, it took the lives of Josiah and Joshua Leviskia."
"The family has lost everything," the post reads. "Their home, a vehicle, and, most painfully, their children. No parent should ever have to endure such unimaginable grief. As they try to pick up the pieces, they now face the overwhelming burden of funeral expenses and the urgent need for a new place to live."
The fundraiser seeks donations so the family can lay their children to rest and secure a new home. At the time of writing, they have raised $142,143 of a $250k target.
