A student is recovering after a freak accident on the University of Georgia campus, school officials say.
Mia Wei Corte, 20, was critically injured when an oak tree fell on top of her Tuesday evening. University officials say high winds uprooted the tree on East Campus at Field Street.
“Mia was actually sending a live video to her boyfriend of how bad the storm was and we know that at 5:04 her phone died. So, apparently that’s the time when this tree came down and landed on her,” said Mia’s father, Bob Corte.
Multiple witnesses pitched in to safely lift the tree off of Corte as authorities responded to the scene, according to The Athens Banner Herald. Mia suffered severe injuries to her head and body. She was taken to Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital where she remained in critical condition as of May 12.
“She was under the tree for approximately 10 to 15 minutes before they could get everything off of her and out,” Mia’s mother Rebecca Corte told WAGA.
The Cortes traveled to Athens from their home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to be with their injured daughter. They describe her as “a real fighter” and “resilient” young woman.
They say Mia had just wrapped up her sophomore year and dreams of becoming an audiologist.
“We’re hopeful she’s going to bounce back. She has moments where she’s communicating great and other moments, not so much. A lot of pain. So, she has a long road of healing and recovery,” her mother said.
UGA associate vice president and spokesperson Greg Trevor issued a statement saying winds at the time of the accident were clocked at 64 mph.
“Our thoughts are with Mia Wei Corte and her family, and we wish her a speedy recovery,” Trevor said.
The Cortes say they’re overwhelmed by the outpouring of support they’ve received from the community, UGA, and hospital staff. They’re asking for prayers for their daughter.
