As tropical storm Debby moved through Tampa Bay on June 26, 2012, trees succumbed to the wind. One such tree was a large pine tree on Crenshaw Lake Road of US 41. The pine tree broke in half and fell on top of a Mustang convertible travelling on the road, trapping 58-year-old Diana Lewis in the passenger seat of the car. The driver, Melissa Lewis, also sustained injuries.
Mike Wiggen, who lives near the scene of the accident, heard the crash and came to help. “I heard a smash and then I hearn a car horn. I hear this lady screaming ‘help me, help me, help me.’” Says Wiggen. He and other neighbors and drivers pried the convertible top back and picked up limbs that were pinning Diana Lewis down.
Melissa was treated and released from the hospital, but Diana was listed in serious condition.
The car sustained about $10,000 worth of damage, according to the Sheriff’s Office.