A heartfelt reunion: One year after a near-tragic accident, 14-year-old Noah Chandler (front centre) returned to Corowa to meet the heroes who saved his life. Pictured with his father Scott, grandfather Geoff, and brother Jacob, Noah shared a moment of gratitude and reflection with members of the Corowa Rescue Squad—Ben Wilson, Rob Slot and Taz Slot— Corowa Police’s Constable Rory McNamara and Fire and Rescue NSW Station 268 Corowa’s Aaron Carrick. T
One year after a freak accident that could have ended in tragedy, 14-year-old Noah Chandler stepped back into Corowa with a heart full of gratitude and a new lease on life.
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Accompanied by his father Scott, older brother Jacob, and Grandfather Geoff, Noah’s return on December 26 was not just a holiday visit but a poignant reunion with the heroes who saved him.
Their week-long stay was marked by visiting the local sites, spending time down at the river, and even a meeting with members of the Corowa Rescue Squad, Corowa Police, and Corowa Fire and Rescue, whose quick actions 12 months ago turned a potential disaster into a story of survival and resilience.
A night that changed everything
The horrific scene of the crushed caravan where Noah was trapped inside.
Noah Chandler pictured after the accident in December 2024, in hospital after a tree struck his grandfather’s caravan he was staying in.
On that fateful evening, Geoff and Noah were enjoying the stillness of a summer night.
Moments after Noah stepped inside the caravan to charge his phone, a loud creak pierced the air, followed by the thunderous crash of a falling tree.
Dust and chaos ensued as the caravan was crushed, trapping Noah inside.
“It all happened so quickly,” Geoff recalled.
“It was the worst feeling of my entire life. People called out to Noah for minutes that felt like an eternity. Hearing no response was unbearable.”
The quick actions of fellow campers, emergency services, and even nearby nurses proved vital. It took the combined efforts of the Corowa Rescue Squad, Fire and Rescue NSW, police, and paramedics to extricate Noah from the wreckage.
The teenager suffered significant injuries, including a broken arm, lacerations, a collapsed lung, and a hematoma, but he was alive.
14-year-old Noah Chandler, pictured with his father Scott, grandfather Geoff, and brother Jacob, returned to Corowa last week, marking one year since a life- changing accident.
Noah Chandler pictured with Corowa Rescue Squad’s Ben Wilson, Rob Slot and Taz Slot (end), Corowa Police Constable Rory McNamara and Fire and Rescue NSW Station 268 Corowa’s Aaron Carrick whose collective quick actions a year ago turned a tragedy into a story of survival.
Thriving against all odds
Nearly a year later, Noah has made an incredible recovery.
His father, Scott, shared the family’s gratitude and pride, becoming emotional as he retold the story to the Free Press.
“He hasn’t taken a backward step since the incident. Noah has made the most of his second chance at life,” he said.
“My family has pushed me to keep going, and I’m so thankful for that. I wanted to prove to everyone that I could do it,” Noah added.
Noah, who attends Western Heights College and is heading into Year 9, also returned to his passion for football.
He plays for the Geelong West Giants Under 14s and has earned accolades such as third place in his team’s best and fairest and being named captain of his school’s team, coached by AFL greats Matthew Scarlett and Brendan McCartney. The team even triumphed over top Melbourne schools.
“He told me, ‘Dad, I have this second shot at life, and I’m going to make the most of it,’” Scott said with pride.
Noah expressed gratitude for the support of his family who came to Corowa with him, as well as his family back home including his mother Natasha and siblings Indiah, Josh, and Maya.
Gratitude to Corowa’s heroes
During their recent visit, the Chandler family reunited with those who helped save Noah’s life. For Noah, meeting his heroes was a humbling experience
“I wouldn’t be here without them.”
For Scott and Geoff, it was an opportunity to thank the community that rallied around their family during their darkest hours.
Geoff shared his reflections on the night of the accident and the aftermath.
“I can’t thank the caravan park owners and strangers enough for helping that night, and the emergency services for the role they played in rescuing my grandson. We still don’t know why the tree fell. Every day I’m so grateful that Noah made it out alive.
“If I hadn’t grabbed another drink, it’s likely we would both have been asleep and could have been completely crushed in the incident.”
A wave of support
Noah at a North Melbourne training day with North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson.
After the accident, Noah received encouragement and love from some big names in sports and beyond.
Messages came from Michel Tormey, Harry Sheezel (his favourite player, whom he was lucky enough to meet a month after the accident), Mitchell Johnson, Mark Howard, Tom Stewart, Mitch Duncan, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Simon Black, Billy Brownless, Sarah Jones, Cody Weightman, Sam Billings (English cricketer), Shaun Grigg, Chris Lynn, Tom Rogers (Renegades), and Mark Robertson.
“Meeting Harry Sheezel was incredible,” Noah said. “I couldn’t believe he took the time to meet with me.”
Noah also received a letter from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, highlighting the impact of his story.
Harry Sheezel signing Noah’s cast after he was invited to a training day in Melbourne.
“ I’m so glad you pulled through and were put in the hands of the fantastic team at the Royal Children's Hospital. As I'm sure you and your family appreciate, they do incredible work there,” Mr. Albanese said in the letter.
“It’s always hard being injured over summer and missing out on playing with your mates but I'm sure you'll bounce back and make the most of 2024. All the best for a speedy recovery and please give my regards to your family.”
“It’s not every day you get a letter from the Prime Minister,” his dad Scott laughed.
Geoff offered a heartfelt warning to campers about the risks of camping under trees.
“People don’t realise how dangerous it can be. We never thought something like this would happen to us,” he said.
“It’s a lesson we’ve learned the hard way, and I hope others can avoid the same fate.”
Campers are being warned about the dangers of setting up camp beneath a tree, as doing so could have deadly consequences. Tree branches can let go with no warning, even in perfectly still conditions.
Big old native gum trees are particularly problematic to holidaymakers looking to spend some time outdoors, as the often dry and tired branches can snap in an instant and come crashing down. Eucalyptus trees, the most common trees in Australia, are often referred to as “widowmakers” for their tendency to drop limbs during times of stress. These limbs can be extremely heavy and dangerous.
In recent incidents, a tree limb fell on a caravan at Grantham’s Bend campsite on Boxing Day while a family was inside—fortunately, they escaped unscathed.
In a more tragic case, a man died after being struck by a falling tree branch while trying to flee from a violent storm with his family at a campground near Yarrawonga in November.
Scott urged others to cherish every moment.
“Don’t take life for granted. Live it while you’re here because you don’t know what’s around the corner.”
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