During the recent bomb cyclone that hit the Pacific Northwest, a University of Washington student faced a terrifying ordeal. Tyson Ramirez was driving down 35th Avenue in Seattle on the night of Nov. 19 when he witnessed a tree trunk falling onto his car. Through his windshield, he saw the terrifying event unfold at the last second. "I slumped back and down in my seat as it smashes through the roof, which caves in deeply but somehow just narrowly missed my head," he wrote in his GoFundMe.

Surviving the Pinning and Waiting

After the tree fell, Ramirez found himself pinned in his car and unable to get out. "I tried to open my driver's side, no use. The tree was totally horizontal on my car, pinning both the driver's side and passenger side door, and I was stuck," he said. Miraculously, he was not injured despite the harrowing experience. Other people came to his aid, getting out of their vehicles and homes to check on him and call 911. One person took a photograph of him flashing the peace sign from inside the car, which became a memorable moment.

The Arrival of Authorities

Authorities eventually arrived and, after what Ramirez described as an "excruciating wait," were able to pull a door off so he could get out. He hugged his parents who were at the scene, expressing his relief. "I was very happy to sleep in my bed that night," he later wrote. Ramirez also expressed his gratitude, stating, "Whether it be angels, whether it be God, the amazing firefighters, Squad 31, I was really blessed that night. It was really a lot of shock, but also, even in the moment, as I was trapped, a bit of gratefulness to know I'm okay."

Fundraising for Replacement

As of Wednesday, Nov. 27, Ramirez's GoFundMe has generated over $1,400. He is currently raising money to replace his damaged blue Hyundai. This incident has not only been a physical and emotional challenge for him but also a financial one. The support from the community through the GoFundMe has been a source of hope during this difficult time.