A storm is already a terrifying thing to experience, yet a tragedy recently occurred involving two brothers in North Carolina. Josiah (13) and Joshua Leviskia (11) lost their lives when a tree, uprooted by strong winds, fell on their mobile home. Despite rescue efforts, the brothers were pronounced dead at the scene. According to officials, the siblings likely died instantly from the impact, given the way the tree fell. Their parents and sibling were fortunate enough to survive the devastating incident.
“We need prayers and to be strong. At least God left us a daughter,” the mother told WLOX. The father remained in shock after the incident. During the storm, he heard a loud boom and rushed outside, only to find his sons trapped beneath the fallen tree. The father said that he was able to save his daughter, who was nearby, but he couldn’t reach his sons in time. After calling the police, North Carolina rescue crews arrived with heavy equipment to remove the tree and recover the boys’ bodies.
A fire department officer said that it took three hours to retrieve the Leviskia siblings’ bodies. The North Carolina officer mentioned that when they arrived, they saw the tree had cut the trailer in half. The boys’ parents and sister stayed outside after they reported the incident. The officer said that the parents hadn’t believed their sons were dead before they saw their bodies.
Rebuilding Their Home
Valinda Chandler later created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help the North Carolina family. At the time of writing, it has raised over $140,000. “This family has lost everything—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,” Chandler wrote.
Chandler said that they’ve contacted Habitat for Humanity regarding the cost of clearing the debris and rebuilding the home. They said that the organization agreed to allow the family to receive discounts when building their new home in North Carolina. “It helps to know we are not alone, that people care,” the mother said.
Many people who heard the news shared their sympathies and prayers for the grieving parents. This unexpected incident would undoubtedly leave scars on the survivors. “God, please be with this family during this difficult time. Provide comfort, knowing their children are in heaven with You, God,” one Facebook user commented.
