On April 23, 2022, Brian and Crystal Clark suffered a parent’s worst fear.
Their two children, Xander, 9, and Ziva, 8, were killed instantly in a freak accident no one could have seen coming.
“We were at our campground on a beautiful spring day,” Crystal said. “It was extremely windy but 70 degrees and the sun was shining. We went for a golf cart ride and found friends at our favorite fishing spot. They were taking turns taking fish off the hooks. Ziva would kiss the fish and throw it back in, and Xander was twirling a worm around his finger just before we left.”
After a short visit, the family of four got back into the golf cart with promises to return soon, but once they were traveling down the path, they heard a loud sound and couldn’t tell which direction it was coming from.
“It sounded like a plane was crashing into the woods,” Crystal said. “A tree came down, hit the F150 to the right of us, and then on top of our golf cart. We were in the front seat, and Xander and Ziva were in the back. The tree missed us by inches but struck the children directly and they were gone.”
Paramedics came, but shortly after, they confirmed what the Clarks already knew.
“This was a 30-foot-tall tree and it split from the trunk about two feet off the ground,” Brian said. “It’s something, as a parent, you wouldn’t ever think of. You can think of a thousand things you need to do to protect your children, but this doesn’t even pop into your mind.”
Despite their shock and pain, the couple set out to warn others about the dangers of damaged, dead and hollow trees.
They hope to save a life by making others aware of what could happen.
“You can’t just look at the tree and know if it’s dead or alive,” Brian said. “It’s not something you can see, but we can pay attention. Have your trees checked regularly by a professional. Most tree companies give free quotes.”
The couple have spoken with other parents who have experienced a similar loss, and though it’s a rare occurrence, they have others thinking.
It’s not uncommon for those who have heard their story to reach out, letting them know they’ve had their trees examined or removed.
The Clarks simply hope people are proactive.
Last spring, billboards in Indianapolis and surrounding areas featured Xander and Ziva, warning the public about the dangers of unmonitored trees.
Brian and Crystal also hang the same banner from their trailer while traveling around the state to various barbecue competitions. The banner is always noticed and always discussed.
“It’s a tragedy we live every day,” Crystal said. “We couldn’t save our own children, but maybe their legacy will save someone else. If we can do something that plants a little seed in someone’s mind, it’s more than what they thought about it before. We don’t want anyone else to feel this unimaginable pain.”
