Tampa, FL (Bay News 9) — A Seminole Heights pastor is recovering after a tree fell on her while she was praying.
Sharon Davis, the pastor of Seminole Heights United Methodist Church, had just finished her nightly walk on Sunday when she stopped to sit on the church stairs to reflect and pray.
“The tree fell and covered the stairs and we could hear her scream,” said Jordan Miller, who was working at his bike shop across the street from the church. “We saw her down on the ground, and that’s when we realized what happened.”
Miller’s girlfriend called 911 while he and several other people nearby rushed over to help.
“It’s a strange series of events, but I’m thankful it happened the way it did and she didn’t get pinned under the tree or hurt more seriously than she did,” he said.
Davis was taken to the hospital with numerous injuries. She has since been released. She said she didn’t feel well enough to be interviewed, but church spokeswoman Christie Hess said Davis is grateful no one else was injured.
“It could have been the congregation leaving the church,” Hess said. “And you know what? There were eyewitnesses who were right there at the time it occurred, so she she got immediate attention right then and there.”
Hess said the tree is a safety hazard and will be removed.
She isn’t sure when Pastor Davis will be able to resume her duties at the church.
