Dallas, TX — A 32-year-old mother was left paralyzed after a large oak tree fell on her car in Lakewood, crushing her SUV and leaving her with a devastating spinal cord injury. The driver has been identified as Maisie Evans, a mother of a 6-month-old baby.
A Sudden and Tragic Accident
The incident occurred on Wendover Road and Sperry Street, where a chinquapin oak tree suddenly toppled onto Evans’ Porsche SUV. Witnesses described the chaotic scene as the car was crushed beneath the massive tree while live electrical wires sparked and exploded nearby.
Dan Flick, one of the first bystanders on the scene, recalled the moment he approached the wreckage.
“She didn’t act in pain, but you know she had to be,” he said. “There were electric wires sparking as we moved over here. About that time, the connector exploded; flames and shrapnel.”
Property Owner Responds
The fallen tree was located on property owned by Dan Patterson, the chairman of the Texas Trees Foundation and a former national leader in forestry organizations. Patterson said he was devastated to learn the severity of Evans’ injuries.
“When I was told she was paralyzed from the neck down, I felt terrible,” Patterson said. “I had no idea.”
Patterson explained that in his view, the tree showed no visible signs of compromise before the accident. He believes that heavy spring rainfall may have caused the oak to grow more acorns, which swelled and added weight to its upper canopy — leading to its collapse. According to FOX 4 News, Patterson’s ground crew had been maintaining the trees regularly, and he insisted this was a tragic accident that could not have been easily prevented.
Expert Insights on Tree Safety
Certified arborist Steve Houser explained that while homeowners can reduce risks by scheduling annual inspections of medium to large trees, sudden failures can never be entirely avoided.
“If your trees are 15, 20 inches and larger, we like to be out at least on an annual basis,” Houser said. “I wish we could say that we can prevent this from ever happening again.”
On Wednesday, the remains of the cut-up tree could still be seen on the sidewalk, revealing a hollow trunk and decayed branches.
Family Struggles After Life-Altering Injury
According to a GoFundMe page set up for medical expenses, Evans is currently in the neuro ICU with a severe spinal cord injury that has left her paralyzed. The fundraiser describes her as a “devoted mother of a 6-month-old baby girl” whose world has been turned upside down.
“Maisie’s survival is truly a miracle,” the fundraiser reads. “The road ahead will be long and uncertain.”
Friends and neighbors say the community will need to rally behind Evans, her husband, and their infant daughter.
Dan Flick, who helped at the scene, urged the public to step forward.
“She’s going to need help the rest of her life, her husband and baby,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The family is now preparing for a lifetime of medical support, including mobility equipment, rehabilitation, and stability for her child. The GoFundMe campaign has been raising money to help cover these expenses, and supporters hope the wider Dallas community will come together to help Maisie and her family through the unimaginable challenges ahead.
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