Branson Baker, 9, ran to get help after a tornado overturned his family’s car on April 27
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Branson Baker, 9, on Good morning America
A 9-year-old Oklahoma boy is speaking out after helping save his parents’ lives during a tornado last month.
On April 27, Wayne and Lindy Baker were seriously injured when the car they were traveling in with their son Branson was caught in an EF4 tornado in Marietta, Oklahoma. A tree uprooted by the storm struck the car and Branson’s parents were trapped inside.
The family was on their way to Dickson, Oklahoma, to reach a storm shelter when the accident occurred. When Branson saw his parents were in trouble, he got out of the truck and ran to get help.
During a speech on Monday, May 6, in the episode of Good morning AmericaThe 9-year-old recalled, “I was really scared,” as he became emotional.
Related: 9-year-old boy saves parents after tornado overturns car, leaving both with broken backs
“When I went to get help, I said, ‘Don’t die,'” the teenager added.
Branson’s father Wayne, who wore a neck brace during the interview, recalled the incident: “We could see the tornado about one to two miles away from us. But when we turned around, the tornado was spinning.”
“Branson acted very quickly, he’s a very brave son. For a 9-year-old boy… not many adults would have done what he did,” Wayne added.
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Wayne (left) and Branson Baker at “Good Morning America”
Related topics: At least 3 dead after severe storms, suspected tornadoes hit several states: “Pure devastation”
Wayne is recovering from back, neck and arm injuries while his wife, Lindy, remains in hospital. “I couldn’t be prouder to be a father. A son who can take on a challenge like that shows he would go above and beyond for anyone,” Wayne said of Branson.
Wayne was on the phone with his brother Johnny when the accident happened. Johnny recalled hearing a “ringing” sound, as if hailstones were hitting the glass, before hearing a “boom” and the phone went silent. He rushed to the scene and called 911 before emergency responders arrived and Branson returned with help.
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Wayne (far left) and Lindy Baker and their son Branson.
Johnny had previously told CBS News that after the accident, Branson “ran as fast and as hard as he could” to get help.
“He probably ran a mile in 10 minutes. That’s pretty impressive for a little kid,” Johnny told the outlet.
“He had to become his parents’ superman and do what he had to do. That’s exactly what he said. He said, ‘I have to save my parents,'” he added.
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Wayne and Lindy were taken to OU Medical Center where they were treated for injuries, including a broken back and a broken neck, according to CBS News.
PEOPLE previously confirmed that at least five people, including a four-month-old baby, had died after tornadoes devastated parts of Oklahoma and Iowa on April 26 and 27. Four deaths were reported in Oklahoma and one death was reported in Minden, Iowa.
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