Girl's Facebook plea saves father's life after tree falls on him, phone lines

LOGAN COUNTY, WV (KTRK) -- A 10-year-old girl in West Virginia used Facebook as a life-line, posting a video that rescuers say may have saved her father's life.

Brianna Vance, 10, turned to Facebook after a severe storm tore through her family's neighborhood on June 10. Her father, Gregory Vance, and two friends had been sitting on the front porch when a huge tree came crashing down on top of them.

The storm knocked out phone signals, but Brianna noticed the Wi-Fi in her home was still working. She the posted a video on Facebook asking for help.

"The lightning crashed and hit a tree by our porch and my dad's almost dead," Brianna pleaded. "He needs an ambulance please. Please call one for us if you have signal. We live in a yellow house."

Someone saw her online plea and called 911. Rescue crews cut the men out from under the tree and rushed them to the hospital, saving all of their lives.

Henlawson Fire Department Lt. Tim Granger said Brianna's quick thinking saved the day.

"This is the real hero, that little girl, and I hope she gets recognized for her heroism," Granger said.

Brianna says she's just glad her dad is okay. He arrived back home from the hospital just in time for Father's Day.

"I love you, dad, and I'm so happy you are home and happy to be your helper," said Brianna in another Facebook post.