Toddler struck by tree limb undergoes brain surgery

WINDER, Ga. — The family of a 2-year-old boy critically injured by a falling tree limb said they are hoping for a miracle recovery.

"Right now they told us it's hour-to-hour," said Kevin Condon, Tripp Halstead's uncle.

Condon told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri family members waited at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston as doctors operated for three and a half hours on Tripp's brain.

"Everyone's just trying to hold in tears as much as they can, and we're not really doing a good job of that," Condon said.

Monday morning the toddler was playing outside behind his Winder day care on Church Street.

High winds snapped a large tree limb and brought it down onto Tripp's head.

"He just happened to be standing in the wrong spot in the wrong time," Condon said.

According to family members, doctors had to remove some of Halstead's bone to ease swelling on his brain.

"They're telling us the magical day is the third day and we're just hoping to make it to then. We'll find out more," Condon said, "They said miracles happen and we feel we're going to get one if we just keep praying and hoping for the best."

A spokesperson at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston confirmed Halstead was in critical condition.

Donations to help with medical expenses can be made at any PNC Bank branch under Tripp Halstead's name.

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WSBTV