A five-year-old was killed after a tree fell on his house and crushed his bedroom, leaving him unconscious and pinned underneath it for 45 minutes until help arrived.
Robert ‘RJ’ Lawrence III was in his bedroom in Jennings, in the US state of Missouri, when tragedy struck on Saturday, 1st July.
The tree toppled over in heavy storms and smashed into his bedroom, knocking him unconscious and trapping him underneath, according to local media.
The boy’s mother, named as LaWanda ‘Nina’ Thomas, said that the tree had fallen on her house and had hit her son’s bedroom.
RJ’s heartbroken mum said: “RJ was the most loving, kind boy you could ever meet. He worried about other people he loved more then himself.”
LaWanda added that he was “very friendly” and “loved meeting new people”.
She said that he was “the type of child that would make you be his friend just by the love he showed others.
“He loved helping me bake and cook. He loved being a mechanic on his toy car. He loved his sibblings and pets with all his heart. Loved telling stories.
“He was my bright and shining star. Very intelligent, started walking at six months, could count to 10, identify his primary colors, shapes by the age of one.
“He loved being around his family and friends.”
LaWanda also said: “If you asked him his favorite color he would say rainbow because all colors are beautiful.
“But his most favorite is blue like Sonic the hedgehog because he is so obsessed with Sonic.”
St Louis County Police responded to the scene at about 4pm on the 5200 block of Hamilton Ave.
Investigators then found the child trapped under the tree.
He was eventually freed and taken to hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead.
Local media confirmed that there were strong storms in the area on Saturday.
Jennings Councilwoman Nadia Quinn said that it took 45 minutes for help to arrive.
She said: “A neighbour physically had to drive to the police station to get help as the 911 dispatch was unavailable.”
Quinn has also launched a GoFundMe campaign after raising an initial USD 10,000 (GBP 7,857), she increased the limit to USD 20,000 (GBP 15,714), with a current total standing at USD 13,334 (GBP 10,476).
An update to Quinn’s GoFundMe summary said: “On behalf of Ms. LaWanda Thomas, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, contributions, shares, and generosity. I’ve updated the goal from USD 10,000 to USD 20,000 as we’ve surpassed our initial goal.
“This will help provide a beautiful memorial service for RJ. Now, if we’re able to keep this momentum, we can assist this family in rebuilding and providing a roof over their heads, clothing, furniture & toiletries. I’ve also requested sizes for clothing which I’ll post below. If anyone is interested in contributing gift cards, clothing, furniture, etc., please reach out. I will provide a storage unit to gather donations until the family has a place to go.”
