An Ohio father of two who miraculously survived a freak accident during routine maintenance has shared what went through his mind during what he thought were his final moments.
Phillip Pohle, 32, was clearing trees from a road at Hocking Hills State Park in March when his foot got trapped on the gas pedal of a front loader, WBNS reported.
The front loader forced a tree branch into his neck, tearing his skull away from his spine and internally decapitating him.
Trapped in the machine awaiting help, unsure if he’d survive, Pohle said he thought of his children.
'I started thinking of my children because it was really nice being a dad. I just thought how much I was going to miss them, miss my babies,' Pohle told the outlet.
First responders rushed to save Pohle, stabilizing his neck while crews hacked the branch away with a chainsaw.
The odds were stacked against him - an ambulance was 20 minutes away, and a medical helicopter was grounded by weather.
The 32-year-old was later rushed to Grant Medical Center in Columbus, where he underwent major surgery to stabilize his skull to his spine.
Philip Pohle, 32( pictured with his two kids), was internally decapitated while clearing trees in an Ohio park
Pohle miraculously survived the harrowing accident
Surgeons used plates, screws, and rods, but still feared he might not survive or walk again. Neurosurgeon Dr Victor Awuor told WBNS that half of patients with this type of injury die at the scene.
'The other 50 percent who make it to the hospital, a significant amount of those are paralyzed,' the neurosurgeon said.
Despite the grim circumstances, Pohle survived and made an extraordinary recovery.
The 32-year-old has since relearned how to walk unassisted, and said he likely would have died if he’d been alone that day.
A GoFundMe was set up for Pohle’s medical expenses and recovery, raising over $15,000 toward a $30,000 goal.
A benefit in Pohle’s honor will also be organized, according to the GoFundMe.
'Phillip Pohle, 32 years old, who was struck by a tree on March 13th while removing downed trees at his job at ODNR doing maintenance at Hocking Hills State Park,' the fundraiser stated.
'He ended up internally decapitated with a broken vertebra in his neck. Phillip was taken to Hocking Valley Hospital, then transferred to Grant in Columbus, where Phillip has been ever since.'
Surgeons used plates, screws, and rods, but still feared he might not survive or walk again
Pohle and his girlfriend Haley, they have two kids together
Pohle with his work crew, a GoFundMe was set up for his medical expenses and recovery
Pohle loves his job and hopes to return after his recovery
The dad's foot got trapped on the gas pedal of a front loader (stock)
Pohle and his girlfriend, Haley, share two small kids together. Haley is a stay-at-home mother, according to the GoFundMe.
'They could use all the help and support that can be given at this moment, even if it's just a share.
'Phillip has always been a tremendous worker for ODNR for 2 years now and enjoyed his job.
'This was such a fast-devastating blow to their little family, and now the world rests on Haley's shoulders,' the fundraiser page continued.
'We're simply trying to help soften the blow of stress so she can spend as much time as possible with Phillip and also her children,' it concluded.
Hoping for a speedy recovery and to eventually return to work, Pohle shared a message of reflection after narrowly escaping death.
'Love deeply and have a grace with people. Be patient, be kind. Tomorrow is not guaranteed,' he told the outlet.