Branson Baker: Oklahoma 'hero' boy, 9, runs a mile in 10 minutes to save injured parents from tornado wreck

MARIETTA, OKLAHOMA: A young Oklahoma boy is hailed a hero, and rightfully so for saving the lives of his parents after a devastating tornado tossed their truck into a pile of trees and left them in the hospital in critical condition.

Wayne and Lindy Baker sustained serious injuries after the vehicle they were traveling in with their son Branson, 9, was swept up by an EF-4 tornado in Marietta on April 27, CBS News reported.

The Baker family was reaching a storm shelter before the adversity unfolded

The Baker family had been heading to Dickson to reach a home shelter as fifteen tornadoes ravaged the state over the weekend. The calamity has so far claimed the lives of four people and ransacked homes and businesses, per the outlet. 

What injuries did Wayne and Lindy Baker suffer?

Wayne and Lindy both suffered broken backs, necks, and ribs in the incident, according to News 9. Wayne also broke his arm and sternum and lost a part of his finger, while Lindy broke her jaw and right hand and suffered a punctured lung. 

Branson Baker's valiant effort to save his injured parents

While the parents were pinned in the vehicle, their son Branson was able to leave the truck and run to seek aid. The power outage in the area didn't stop him from running a mile down the road in absolute pitch darkness before stopping at a neighbor’s house and finding some people who could help.

“He ran as fast as he could, as hard as he could, he made a mile in 10 minutes. That's pretty impressive for a little kid,” Branson’s uncle Johnny Baker told CBS News.

Johnny was also on the phone with his brother when the accident happened, per News 9. “I heard a 'ding ding ding' like hail or rocks hitting the windshield, then a large crash and the phone went dead,” he told the outlet.

He then raced to the scene in his car and found the couple in the wreckage while Branson was running for help. “Get them out alive… that’s the only thing I was worried about,” he said.

Wayne and Lindy are getting treatment for their injuries

Wayne and Lindy were transported to OU Medical Center where they were treated for their injuries.

"The last thing Branson told them was, 'Mom, dad, please don't die, I will be back,'" Branson’s uncle recalled. "...He had to become his parent's superman and go do what he had to go do. That's exactly what he said. He said, 'I have to save my parents.'”

Wayne and Lindy are both independent contractors and their ability to take on work has been affected by the incident, due to their injuries, per News 9. 

GoFundMe arranged for the Baker family

A GoFundMe page has been set up in an effort to help raise money for the family. In a message on the page, organizer Teri Lloyd described the night of the incident “that many Oklahomans will never forget.”

'“One of those tornadoes swept through Dickson, OK and affected our family immensely,” she wrote. “Wayne, Lindy, & Branson were seeking shelter from the tornado while on the phone with Johnny (Wayne's brother)."

“During that phone call, Johnny had to hear the unimaginable. He heard the tornado overtake them before the phone went dead. As soon as the tornado passed over, Johnny and Kaycie left to search for them," she added.

"They drove through the debris and were unsure of what they were seeing when they realized they found Wayne's truck, but it was quickly confirmed to them when they heard screaming," Lloyd continued. 

Speaking on Branson’s saving efforts, Lloyd added, “.. Branson is small, but he is so mighty, he is a hero. You think all the time that children are destined to do great things, but Branson has already started on his greatness.”

People react to Branson's brave attempt to save his parents' lives

Netizens were also impressed and appreciated Branson's courageous attempt to save the lives of his parents.

One user exclaimed, "Now THIS is what life is supposed to be like - helping bravely!" Another echoed, "What a hero he needs to be recognized as a hero. wishing his parents a speedy recovery."

"He is a Brave and Heroic kid. Prayers got out for his family," appreciated one while another said, "i get chills just thinking about it... BRANSON demonstrated true COURAGE during the STORM....very very impressed!" 

"Poor kid didn't know if he would reach help in time to save his parents. That's a lot of pressure on a kid. But, he didn't give up and try to stay and comfortthem. He's definitely a hero," penned another user. 

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