Volunteers remove tree that killed woman during Hurricane Matthew

DeLAND, Fla. — A 68-year-old DeLand man said he was overwhelmed by the support he received Saturday morning when dozens of volunteers gathered at his Hazen Road home to remove a fallen tree that killed his girlfriend during Hurricane Matthew.

For the past week, Doug Bell says the tree has been a painful reminder of his loss. His girlfriend, 63-year-old Susan Mathes, died Oct. 7 when she was crushed while feeding her animals during a lull in the storm.

Bell called 911, but he eventually loaded Mathes into his vehicle and drove her to the hospital himself. He met up with paramedics in the parking lot, but by then it was too late.

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"God has a purpose in what he does," Bell said. "I have no reservations or any anger at God for anything like this. We are in a temporary world."

A team of nearly 70 volunteers -- complete strangers -- traveled from DeBary to DeLand to encourage Bell. They removed debris, cleared out brush and chopped down three trees on his property.

"We brought in some big track loaders, a bunch of Bobcat operators," volunteer Bret Douglas said. "And you hear in the background the chipper that's going off."

The manpower and the machinery would have cost Bell an estimated $15,000, but he wasn't charged a dime.

"Immediately, we said we have to help this gentleman," volunteer Jason Clisby said. "God is pulling on our heartstrings."

God called and people answered, Clisby said. Their goal: to let Bell "know they care" and to "help lift his spirits."

Bell said he doesn't know how he'll ever repay the favor. He described the kind band of strangers as a "rainbow after the storm."

"I found them through a tragic event," he said. "And that's pretty special."

Volunteers saved a portion of a tree, which a craftsman will carve into a keepsake.

Cox Media Group