JCC Couple trapped by tree escapes

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (WAVY) - A James City County couple heard the winds, then the cracking, and opened their eyes to a 50-foot tree across their bed.

"I heard the crack, and I was sleeping, but I thought, 'Okay, here comes the storm,'" said Wednesday Simpson. "And, then the tree was on us -- just like that."

Simpson and her fiance, Wade Sampson, woke up beneath a giant tree. It split their home in two, but somehow stopped just in time to spare their bed.  

"I knew he was pinned," she said. "I saw my phone fall, and the light went on, so I was able to pick it up to call 911."

Both escaped with only cuts and bruises.

"Every time I was trying to get unwedged, it was digging deeper and deeper and deeper," said Sampson, showing the bandage on the bottom of his foot. "I just finally had to rip it, just to get out."

But, the emotional scars are deeper. The couple's dog Otis, always slept beside his owners. They believe the dog didn't survive.

"I know he was in there," said Simpson, fighting back tears. "I just hope it was quick and painless for him. He was a good, loyal dog."

When the couple returned to survey the damage Thursday morning, they could see daylight hitting the polka dots on their pillows. And, for the first time, the light drew their attention to the crucifix they put above the bed, not too long ago.

They believe luck has little to do with their escape.

"I know that God and Jesus were with us, in some form or another, some angels," said Simpson.