BREVARD, N.C. — Two children are dead after a tree fell on their home.

Joshua and Josiah Leviskia died Sunday morning. According to Connestee Fire Rescue, firefighters responded to a home in Brevard at 3:38 a.m. Firefighters found a large tree laying across the center of the home.

Nathaniel Leviskia, the children’s father, said he, his wife and daughter were able to make it out of the home safely. Joshua, 11, and Josiah, 13, were trapped in their bedroom.

What You Need To Know

  • Joshua and Josiah Leviskia died Sunday when a tree fell on the bedroom of their Brevard home

  • Firefighters said the tree measured 3 feet in diameter

  • The Transylvania County community has raised thousands of dollars to pay for the family's funeral expenses

“I just heard a boom,” he said. “I thought the power went out or something. But, the tree literally fell through the middle of my house.”

Firefighters said they were able to remove the tree from the home within three hours. When they located the boys, they learned they had died from their injuries.

Tony Owen lives next door to the Leviskias and heard the tree fall. 

“I wouldn't ever want to see this happen to my kids,” Owen said. “I hate that it's happened to some of my best friends.”“I wouldn't ever want to see this happen to my kids,” Owen said. “I hate that it's happened to some of my best friends.”

The community is now rallying around the family. A GoFundMe has raised thousands of dollars to help pay for Joshua and Josiah Leviskia’s funeral expenses.

Leviskia said he hopes his sons are remembered for their fun-loving spirits.

“They're really good,” Leviskia said. “They treated me the way I wanted to be treated, like the dad I wanted to be.” 

“Hug your kids,” Owen said. “Give them love every night. Don't go to bed mad. Don't go to bed sad. Make sure everything is taken care of before you close your eyes because you don't know if you'll wake up.”

Gov. Josh Stein released a statement on X Monday saying, "I am heartbroken to learn that two children were killed over the weekend due to severe weather. May their memories be a blessing. My prayers are with their family and friends, and everyone in Transylvania County and across the state who is recovering from this storm."

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