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SALT LAKE CITY — The family of two boys injured when a tree fell on the tent they were sleeping in expressed gratitude Tuesday to everyone who has helped them.
"We are truly grateful for all the prayers, love and warmth we have felt from people throughout the world. Our boys are strong and we know they will make a full recovery. This accident has strengthened our faith that our Heavenly Father is watching over and protecting us," BenJoe Markland, the boys' father, said in a prepared statement Tuesday.
"Thank you to the campers who came to our aid early (Monday) morning, as well as the first responders and staff at Primary Children’s Hospital and Utah Valley Hospital."
Early Monday, Markland, his wife, and four children, including 9-year-old Joseph Markland and 7-year-old Dallin Markland, were sleeping in a tent at the Lakeside RV Campground, 4000 W. Center in Provo, when strong winds caused an older, large tree to fall on top of them about 4 a.m.
Joseph and Dallin were pinned inside the tent. The others were able to get out without injury. Nearly a dozen other campers came to the family's aid and helped emergency crews get the boys out from underneath the fallen tree.
Dallin suffered a broken femur. A spokeswoman at Primary Children's Hospital said he underwent surgery Monday afternoon and is expected to make a full recovery.
Related:
2 boys hospitalized after tree falls on family sleeping in tent in Provo
Two brothers, ages 7 and 9, were hospitalized Monday with injuries they suffered when a tree fell on their tent overnight in Provo.Joseph suffered a lacerated liver and an orbital fracture but is also expected to make a full recovery. It was not known how long the boys would remain in the hospital.
The Marklands, originally from Ogden but who had been living for the past year in El Salvador, were back in Utah for a family reunion over the weekend.
On BenJoe Markland's Facebook page, he updated friends and family members on the conditions of his boys late Monday.
"Words can not fully express how we feel. All I can say is that your prayers have been answered as Joseph and Dallin are both in stable condition and are resting peacefully. They are alert and awake, and despite all of this are very happy. Joseph 'Iron Man' has been a rock, encouraging his brother through the pain and reminding us to say prayers; Dallin 'Minecraft' had his leg repaired with red stone, pins and Legos and he is feeling like new."
