Guardsman's wife escapes injury after tree crashes through Matthews home

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MATTHEWS, N.C. — The wind and rain have caused damage across the Charlotte area, ranging from downed trees to localized flooding to widespread power outages.

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One of the trees that fell came down on a home in Matthews, on Raywood Court. The homeowner, William McCormack Jr., is in the National Guard, helping with rescue efforts and evacuations from Florence in the eastern part of the state.

A neighbor told Channel 9 that McCormack's wife, Anna McCormack, was home when the tree fell and was crouched down on the floor when it happened.

The homeowner's father-in-law William McCormack said Anna would have been on the couch, but she got down on the floor to protect her pets.

"She was laying on the floor with her animals, she has a dog and two cats, because she felt safer there," William McCormack said. "If she would've been on the couch, it woulda crushed her."

Anna heard a bang and the tree came crashing through the roof and collapsed on her.

Her neighbor, Elliot Bailey, said Anna crawled out of the mess to run and get help.

William McCormack said Anna was shaken up but was doing OK.

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Bailey said William McCormack Jr. is concerned about the house, but because of his duties with the National Guard, he is unable to make it back home.

"It's kinda hard when you're not home and your wife's in distress and you're stuck helping other people," Bailey said. "He's needed where he's at right now, so, unfortunately, he can't make it back home."

Bailey added that even though William McCormack Jr. is not able to be home with his wife at this time, he understands she is surrounded by good people who are ready to help her.

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