11-year-old rescued by family dog after being buried by rubble during mudslide

NORTH CAROLINA – An 11-year-old boy is hailing his dog as a life-saving hero after they both endured a terrifying ordeal during Hurricane Helene. Jamie Parker, trapped in his home by a devastating mudslide, credits his canine companion, Tucker, with rescuing him from potential death.

The harrowing incident left Jamie stuck under the house’s stairs amidst a 12-foot heap of debris. “I probably would have died if it wasn’t for Tucker,” Jamie shared, expressing his gratitude for his dog’s steadfast presence during the disaster.

As the mudslide struck, Tucker remained by Jamie’s side until firefighters arrived with chainsaws to free the boy. Donna Johns, Jamie’s grandmother, recalled the sudden impact of the mudslide on their home, describing how it felt like the walls were collapsing in all around them.

For what felt like an eternity, Jamie lay trapped, unable to see daylight, feeling water dripping on him as he feared both drowning and suffocation. Both Jamie and Donna believed the worst- that their family had perished.

As fear set in, Donna screamed for her family, fearing for their lives. Meanwhile, Michael Johns managed to locate Jemma but couldn’t find Jamie amidst the chaos, intensified by the pouring rain.

Following the traumatic experience, Jamie was flown to Atrium Health Cabarrus hospital in Concord for treatment. While Jamie was there, Tucker found a temporary home with one of the nurses, who is fostering him. The hospital staff has provided essential supplies for the family, who lost everything in the mudslide.

A touching twist to their story reveals that Jamie and Jemma once saved Tucker from a shelter using their allowance, rescuing him from being euthanized. “He was the last dog there,” Jamie recollected. Years later, Tucker returned the favor, rescuing his young owner in a moment of peril.

In support, Habitat for Humanity has started a fundraiser to help the displaced family get back on their feet.