Family Grateful for Help in Saving Children from Creek
By Dave Franzman and Justin Foss, Reporters
By
Mike Wagner
Story Created:
Apr 24, 2008 at 10:57 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Apr 30, 2008 at 8:32 PM CDT
ANAMOSA- A Jones County family's close call with their car in a creek ended with some very timely rescue help.
Four children as well as two adults survived a car crash that ended with their vehicle upside down in Buffalo Creek. The accident happened just before 7:30 Wednesday night about a mile and a half north of Anamosa.
Phillip Horak, 27, said he was driving and swerved to avoid an animal on Buffalo Road. The next thing he knew his car was skidding out of control and heading for the creek.
Horak's girlfriend, Holly Winders, was also in the car along with the four kids ages two to four. Two of the children are Winder's and two are Horak's.
Horak said as the car left the bank he was desperately trying to unbuckle the kids. "I got out...reached in...grabbed the youngest daughter Miria," he said. Horak got his youngest child to shore...but said a pizza delivery driver, Bob Bierer, arrived just in the nick of time.
"How do you not respond to a mom that's screaming her babies are dying," asked Bierer?
Bierer said he didn't think about how dangerous the conditions were when he arrived. Instead he just said he couldn't stop thinking about how he needed to save the kids.
"He jumped in the water and he pulled Trayton out and then got him over to shore to me and then Pierce ...that's when the cops came and the sheriff (deputy) jumped in," Horak said.
The deputy who arrived on the scene rescued the last child after nearly seven minutes trapped in the car. She had found an air pocket and was ok.
But Pierce Horak, 4, spent one to two minutes underwater and wasn't breathing when he was pulled out. His father doesn't know CPR...but breathed in his son's mouth until Pierce began spitting up and breathing on his own.
Pierce Horak was transferred to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics as a precaution. He was expected to be released soon.
Other members of this combined family were treated and released from the Jones County Regional Medical Center in Anamosa.
; "Click for Pinpoint Doppler Radar")
KCRG-TV9's Position on Commenting |
User Agreement
The following comments do not necessarily represent the views of KCRG-TV9. Users have agreed to these terms and in doing so accept full responsibility for their comments. Moderation is limited.
Thursday, May 1 at 4:26 PM Alycia wrote ...
Sorry I didn't see your post before. I will try to come get them Friday but we have a ground breaking ceremony for the Anamosa Hospital where Bob Bierer will be recieving an award. So it may not be until Saturday. Hopefully before though. I will get them soon we are having to borrow friends for the day tomorrow so it will be nice to get some to keep. Thanks again
Thursday, May 1 at 2:23 PM Alycia family member wrote ...
Thank you Amanda I will get there as soon as I can to get them it may be later this afternoon or tonight thanks again
Thursday, May 1 at 1:39 PM Amanda wrote ...
Alycia- Also...forgot to mention. I will leave the car seats friday before I leave for work in the morning.
Thursday, May 1 at 12:53 PM Amanda wrote ...
Alycia- I live at 370 18th St. SE -Cedar Rapids. I will leave the carseats on my porch. Its an enclosed porch..so just open the door and come in. I will leave them on inside of the door- Im glad I could help :)
Wednesday, Apr 30 at 6:59 PM Horak Family member wrote ...
Amanda that would be great if there is a time I could meet you or contact you some how let me know I have the rest of this week off and I have mornings off starting next week. Please Let me know and my name is Alycia and I live in Anamosa. Thanks again
Wednesday, Apr 30 at 2:20 PM Amanda... wrote ...
I have two car seats sitting in the back of my jeep right now that I do not know what to do with.........Please take them. They are the seats w/o the harness for todlers-not infants. Free of charge!
Tuesday, Apr 29 at 10:18 PM Horak Family member wrote ...
Ok people. Everything is done and over with the Sheriff and county have pressed the charges they feel are appropriate and it is over with. Phil has learned from his mistake. As of right now some of the children are still suffering and back into the hospitals so maybe you guys could think of them for awhile instead of passing judgement. We are also trying to get some resources for car seats so if anyone is willing to help please say something here. We would be very thankful.
Tuesday, Apr 29 at 10:25 AM some one who cares about the kids not the parents wrote ...
I agree with Wrong Again....There are lots of what ifs that people are saying. But lets look at the facts 1.There were four kids in the back of a two door car. 2.None of them were in car seat.Even though parents are required by law to have them in one. 3. Phil does not have a valid drivers license. He should not have been driving. 4.Had the pizza guy and the sheffif not shown up, (yes a what if, but welcome to reality people) THREE of the four kids might not be alive today.I blame the parents.
Monday, Apr 28 at 9:13 PM Wrong again wrote ...
No, you're wrong again. I am aware of circumstances surrounding this incident and I do believe it needs to be investigated. No carseats, no driver's licence....sounds like parent neglet to me. I blame the parents. Thank God the kids are okay, but next time they probably won't be.
Monday, Apr 28 at 3:58 PM Sonya aunt of the kids wrote ...
Tell me how when you talk about this accident the first thing that runs through your mind is how did all the kids fit in the car? Should it not be I hope that the kids are ok. And it is a good thing that nothing bad happened to any of them. None of you really know the family so you should not be on here accusing people of being on drugs or passing judgement on them. For those of us that know Phil and Holly they are good parents and care a lot about the kids.
Monday, Apr 28 at 9:50 AM mandy wrote ...
yes i understand no car seats i get it but think about it, even if they were in car seats it still would of happen and also think what if they were all in car seats might have been harder to get them out they would of been in there longer plus if they had a van big enough for four car seats kids would of been more spaced out there would of been more obstacles to get around to get them all out so who maybe they should of had car seats but they didnt and that might of saved their lives.
Sunday, Apr 27 at 10:47 AM Disagree wrote ...
I disagree, I don't see those comments as negative. All young parents that I spoke with regarding this accident said the first thoughts that ran through their mind were, "how could they fit four carseats in the back of that car?" Clearly, the family involved in the accident need some parenting education, there are plenty of places that show you how to strap in carseats, and everyone knows they are required by law. I'm not being negative, just concerned for the children's welare.
Sunday, Apr 27 at 9:26 AM Brandy wrote ...
Whether the kids were properly strapped in or What some of you believe the father should and should not of done does not matter at all. Those of you passing judgement were not in this situation and I hope you will never be. All that matters here is that they are all safe. If they all would of been in seats they may just not of made it. Ever thought of that? I do think that seats are good but in this case it was probably best if they werent.
Saturday, Apr 26 at 11:37 PM Rick wrote ...
We should forgive all of the people making negative comments here. Clearly, they are not that bright. Just look at all of their spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. They probably just don't know any better. As for the family, thank God everyone is alive and safe!! As for the heroes that helped out, God bless you and thank you for your bravery.
Friday, Apr 25 at 4:51 PM Pam wrote ...
Wow, Why do people even write anything if all they have is negativity. These people don;t derserve that. Jones county and Bob were the hero"s here , keep your judgemental remarks to yourself.
Friday, Apr 25 at 3:55 PM Family member wrote ...
Of coarse x relations are going to have bad things to say. I think This all needs to stop,we should all just think of Gods mircle of sending Bob Bierer as an angel to save my family. It could have been worse. Please respect the family and stop with these negative comments. Growing up in Anamosa I had always believed that we pull together in times like these to see if the family needs anything. And also to thank Heros like Bob. I am so proud of these people who think they are holier than GOD!!!!!
Friday, Apr 25 at 3:45 PM Horak Family Member wrote ...
I am ashamed that people can be so negative and judgmental,you act like you have never done anything wrong in your life.You dis others cause you have something to be ashamed of yourself. Phil is a great father and has been trying to get his life back and was about to get his license back. People make mistakes,your foolish to think that you never have. I wish people could grow up and respect each other. Yes mistakes were made,the drivers license, car seats BUT everyone is ok that's what matters!!
Friday, Apr 25 at 3:33 PM Heather wrote ...
This Hero I am proud to say is my cousin. What a guy! He would do anything for anyone. Would you? For all you people who are blaming the parents for not rescuing thier own kids, you are in no place to judge! I'm sure the parents were in complete shock!!! It's also noone's place to judge the parents for the kids not being in car seats. The most important thing is that the whole family is alive. Everyone has to always find fault with something. Grat job Bob... Love ya!
Friday, Apr 25 at 3:28 PM Kim Bierer wrote ...
There's so much negativity in this world. Life is just too short to live this way, which is something my husband (Bob Bierer) has learned the hard way (Leukemia). He's always been, and always will be a hero in my eyes.
Friday, Apr 25 at 3:15 PM x relation wrote ...
Oh, pipe down Horak family. Why get so deffensive, unless some of the accusations are true? Everyone involved are very blessed to be alive an unharmed, especially the innocent children.
Friday, Apr 25 at 3:13 PM Aaron wrote ...
THANK GOD for people like Bob and the deputies! I cant stand all the negativity on this comment section! You all who are negative act like you've never done a bad thing in your life! Who are you to judge these people! Leave that to law enforcement! You all should just be greatful theres no serious injuries or deaths! It's sad to see some positive news come out and you people just make it negative! Its no wonder our country is in the state it's in! GOD BLESS BOB,THE DEPUTIES,AND THE FAMILY!!!!
Friday, Apr 25 at 2:41 PM A Horak Family Member wrote ...
I thank god that my family members are all safe after such a tragic incident. To all those who wrote best wishes thank you. To answer some of the negative comments. NO the parents weren't under the influence of anything!!! They took blood tests at the hospital DUH! Phil did the absoulte best he could to save everyone in the vehicle. Phil and Holly are great parents and people should respect that they went through a huge ordeal and don't need people that don't know them to pass judgement.
Friday, Apr 25 at 2:38 PM X relation of Julie Kramer wrote ...
I have my doubts that swerving to avoid an animal was the truth, especially considering it was clearly daylight when the accident happend. I tend to beleive that the adult male occupent may have been the cause due to his history. Any idiot can have kids, but you have to take a test and pay to have a drivers license. Was he charged with "failure to maintain control?" or tested for substance?
Friday, Apr 25 at 2:33 PM Malinda wrote ...
Who cares if they were wearing seat belts or not, they survived and that is all that matters right now. You can almost be certain the children had them one, after all why would they said that they were trying to "unbuckle" the children. And the comment about the fathers grammar...in a situation like this, why does everyone have to judge? Thank God for everyone being safe, and thank God for pizza delivery guys :)
Friday, Apr 25 at 2:26 PM Digusted wrote ...
The negative comments here really offend me. There were 4 children in this car and someone wants to be critical of the Dad for only being able to grab one at a time. Last I checked humans only come with two arms. I hope that all of you nay sayers are never in this position. This is a hopeful story that showed me the world isn't as jaded as I had once thought. So what if this family (or rescuer) is rough around the edges. The job got done and lives were saved. That is what is important.
Friday, Apr 25 at 12:17 PM Driver Ed Teacher wrote ...
The comment about not wearing seatbelts would have been better in this case warrants a response. When cars roll unrestrained items fly about. You would have seen more injuries. Seatbelts make sense and it really bothers me when parents cram too many into a car. We should be thankful that this story didn't have a tragic ending.
Friday, Apr 25 at 12:08 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Just a thought, but where either of the "parents" suspected of qiute possible being on drugs. I know from personal experience that at least one of them does them.
Friday, Apr 25 at 11:39 AM Ugh wrote ...
I agree with hmmmm Charges should be pressed against these people. No carseats for two-year-olds, that is against the law. I also heard the "father" driving didn't have a valid driver's liscence. These children deserve better. Thank goodness for the police and EMTs!
Friday, Apr 25 at 10:57 AM Thankful wrote ...
I am from Anamosa and Thank God that these people got out alive. Anamosa has had such tragedies over the years with losing young people due to accidents.The Anamosa community has suffered much pain. I am thankful to the Anamosa PD and what they did was very brave!! Keep up the good work Anamosa PD.
Friday, Apr 25 at 10:24 AM Anonymous wrote ...
The father sounds real educated. Here's a quote from him in the Gazette: “I just plugged his nose and breathed into him and got him puking.” Sounds real nice.
Friday, Apr 25 at 10:19 AM Anonymous wrote ...
In the Gazette article, it says they were driving a 2-door Honda. Why did they have 4 kids in such a small car? They couldn't have all been in car seats or seatbelts.
Friday, Apr 25 at 10:03 AM Ashley wrote ...
Im a friend of the two kids treighton and tatums father and my question is with his children being in such a bad car wreck why was he not informed? Thats not right for any parent to be scared worried how is kids were. If phil was also a hero why did he leave the two children who werent his in the car and tatum under water for so long?
Thursday, Apr 24 at 11:17 PM Whatever wrote ...
To respond to all the people on here who are critical of these parents: The mother would have died, she did not have the strength to withstand the water, the kids were safer buckled in the car than in her arms, the dad did everything he could save the kids and the mother got help, the passerby is an angel for his help, and I am personally thankful to all those involved, for once there is a happy end, that is all that I care about, This family is blessed, and I am sure they know it
Thursday, Apr 24 at 10:06 PM Anonymous wrote ...
What happened to these folks is every parents nightmare! Praise the Lord everyone is a live and well! Bob and those officers deserve a medal for bravery! They are all hero's! God Bless You!
Thursday, Apr 24 at 9:05 PM dawn wrote ...
maybe it was better off. the 2 year old not in a car seat. carseats take forever to unbuckle.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 8:46 PM Trina wrote ...
Like i always say dont judge anyoe unless you have been in there shoes and i can probably speak for alot of people who made negative comments on here...God bless all involved..I am thankful that this is a happy story things could have been mch much worse...These people did nothing wrong...My god you act as if they were drinking and driving...They didnt do anything wrong..We are all guilty of going a little too fast at times...next time it could be one of us...Appreciate the police officer
Thursday, Apr 24 at 8:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...
thank god everybody is ok and thank you to the people that helped save the children the sheriffs dept needs to be reconized for there bravery way to go guys keep up the good work
Thursday, Apr 24 at 8:20 PM Hmmm wrote ...
Are the parents going to be charged with anything? From what I heard, one of the 2-year-olds was not even in a carseat, I guess at least she had a lap belt, but still sounds irresponsible to me... Thank goodness for the Anamosa law enforcement and don't forget to mention the medics who warmed those babies up.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 8:18 PM TR wrote ...
Good Bless the whole family and most of all the people that helped. Bless you Alycia some of these people don't have a clue.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 7:51 PM Lisa wrote ...
These are some pretty harsh comments and opinions about the parent's concerns and feelings for their children. Let's be realistic here - most parents care very deeply for there children. Do not judge them based on the facts of a informal news publication. I am an EMT and I know first hand how rescues can go right and wrong. My heart goes out to this family. I am just glad that my own community seems to be a little more supportive than theirs is. To the families-hope all is well.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 7:13 PM Mother of 2 wrote ...
11:12 has some nerve.I don't think anyone that hasn't been trapped in a car filling with water has any right to say anything, that would be difficult with as fast as water rushes in, it is hard enough to walk in it,much less try to get back in a car and get kids out. As a parent I can't imagine how hard it would be to keep your composure while trying to fight all that water,knowing that your child is in danger. People should really have some compassion, didn't your mother teach you any manners
Thursday, Apr 24 at 6:17 PM terrance wrote ...
i want to say i am glad all made it out and that deputy eckhardt is a good friend and a good cop. i think we all owe it to the jones county sheriffs office and the passer by. they dont get that thanks they need. i want to thank all that work there b/c they all came together here and in my own accident last may.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 6:13 PM mamajo wrote ...
God Bless the passerby who did not decide to be "anonymous" or chose to "judge" the adults. He stepped up to the plate and is a HERO.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 5:52 PM Alycia wrote ...
continuing my note,a good samaritan came and pulled the two 4 year olds out, he was unable to pull the second 2 year old out but the Police showed up and were able to pull her out. They went to the Anamosa Hospital and for those of you who cared they are doing fine a little emotional and Pierce is in the UI Hospital but is supposed to be released tomorrow. Our entire family is thankful to those who helped. Those who are critical should think about how they would feel if this were their family.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 5:46 PM Alycia wrote ...
I am the sister of the driver and I am thankful for those of you who are actually concerned for the family but for Little Miss 11:12 Am the first note on here, you have NO I mean NO right to say they didn't care. For your information my borther reached back unbuckled the children and pulled out the first 2 year old, his girlfriend was able to get out and they both tried to get back into the car however my Brother is a big man and Holly wasn't strong enough. the be finished in next comment.....
Thursday, Apr 24 at 5:14 PM Anonymous wrote ...
what about the other passengers did they get out or not. and if they did why didnt get the little girl at the same time.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 5:06 PM Alesha wrote ...
The man who saved the kids was my best friend's dad! Good Job Bob!
Thursday, Apr 24 at 4:30 PM Anonymous wrote ...
What happened to the other passengers?
Thursday, Apr 24 at 1:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...
I hope everyone is alright and not hurt
Thursday, Apr 24 at 12:27 PM Concerned wrote ...
How is the rest of the family doing? I hope they are okay
Thursday, Apr 24 at 12:03 PM Anonymous wrote ...
So what happened to the other 3 children, and 2 adults? Did they not make it? It only mentions the rescue of the two year old.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 11:53 AM Emily wrote ...
What about the other 3 children, He pulled 2 boys out.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 11:39 AM Linda wrote ...
Will people never learn to slow down? Living in the Anamosa area, I realize you are probably speeding to loose control. Children are God's precious gift to us, we need to take care of them.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 11:17 AM Anonymous wrote ...
I'm glad KCRG finally got wind of this story...it was on Gazette a long time ago.
Thursday, Apr 24 at 11:12 AM Anonymous wrote ...
this doesnt make any since to me.. the article says there were two adults and three other children in the car... dont you think as a parent you would get your children out and make sure they are ok? it sounds like the parents really didnt care to much about the 2 year old they cared more about them selves... hmmm personaly if it was me i would get my children out who cant swim/get out them selves befor i worry about getting my self out.. but thats just me i guess..
Add a comment
Most Popular