In a remarkable incident in Herriman, Utah, an 8-year-old boy survived a potentially fatal accident when a sudden gust of wind lifted the trampoline he was playing on and carried it 20 feet into the air. The family is calling his survival a “miracle.”
Jake Smith, along with his family, was visiting relatives in Saint George when the unexpected event occurred. According to his mother, Shellie Smith, the weather was calm and pleasant before a sudden, powerful gust picked up the trampoline with Jake still on it.
“It happened so fast, without any warning,” Shellie Smith recounted. The wind carried Jake over two cinder block walls before he landed in the street. Remarkably, Jake was able to sit up immediately after the incident and even asked his mother if it had been a dream.
Emergency services were called, and Jake was taken to the hospital for evaluation. He sustained only minor scratches and a slight concussion. Medical professionals were surprised by the outcome, as such incidents often result in more severe injuries.
“We were told you don’t usually get this outcome in situations like this,” Shellie Smith said, expressing her gratitude that her son survived the ordeal. She believes that “angels were protecting” Jake during the incident.
In light of their experience, the Smith family is urging other families to ensure their trampolines are securely anchored to prevent similar accidents. “Strap them down. They’re just like giant kites,” advised Brian Smith, Jake’s father.
Another child who was on the trampoline with Jake managed to fall off before it was lifted by the wind. That child suffered minor scrapes and bruises.
The Smith family hopes their story serves as a cautionary tale to prevent similar incidents.
