Boy killed by falling tree at Indian Trails

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By Ann McGlynn | Monday, July 21, 2008 |

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UPDATED: Off in a secluded area of Indian Trails Resort near Colona, Ill., the Stuebs family of Springfield set up two tents next to a pond Friday for a week of camping.

Shortly after 6 a.m. Monday, the storm that blew through the Quad-Cities pounded Indian Trails as the family slept. Jason Stuebs tried to get his seven children — including foster children — into a car for safety.

But a tree fell on one of the tents.

Dustin Stuebs, 4, died, Rock Island County Coroner Sharon Anderson said.

Savannah Stuebs, 9 months old, was critically injured, a spokesman for Genesis Medical Center said. So was Madison Roberts, 9, who suffered facial injuries. They were taken to OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria for treatment.

Three others — the children ranged in age from 9 months to 12 years old — were hurt, too. They were treated at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, Silvis. The family lost its dog, as well.

“It was so fast it was unreal,” said Colona Police Chief Tim Krebs, who was the second emergency responder to arrive on the scene. “It is very heartbreaking to see a mother holding her child begging for help.”

Indian Trails is a small resort along Poppy Garden Road in Henry County. It has ponds, a lodge, paddleboats, miniature golf and plenty of space for camping. Some park large camping trailers; some use tents.

The Stuebs family, Krebs said, was on its first trip there. The family chose a secluded place, down a dirt road, nestled among trees and on the banks of a pond.

Investigators made their way down the road to examine the scene, with yellow police tape surrounding it. Crews took away the family’s belongings, including a set of bicycles.

Meanwhile, a tree-cutting crew buzzed through a tree that had fallen on a nearby camping trailer.

Jim McCanel was not inside his camper when the storm blew through Indian Trails. He was at home nearby and heard the sirens going by shortly after 6 a.m.

“Whenever the wind starts blowing, you’ve always got to worry,” he said of being in a tent or trailer.

“I am so sorry for the family,” he said while holding his young grandson.

Ann McGlynn can be contacted at (563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com.