Dad, 32, narrowly survives ‘internal decapitation’ while clearing trees at state park
A 32-year-old Ohio father, Philip Pohle, survived an 'internal decapitation' after a tree fell on him while he was operating a front loader at Hocking Hills State Park. He was left with a 9-millimeter gap between his skull and spine but avoided paralysis and is now walking again one month after the incident. Pohle credits quick action by resource officers and a timely neck brace with saving his life, and he is now sharing a message about the importance of love and kindness.
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US News Dad, 32, narrowly survives ‘internal decapitation’ while clearing trees at state park By Caitlin McCormack Published April 30, 2026, 6:32 p.m. ET An Ohio father of two was “internally decapitated” — and just one millimeter away from total paralysis — in a freak accident at a state park in March. Philip Pohle, 32, was manning a front loader while clearing trees at Hocking Hills State Park when one tree slid backwards in the bucket — and fell right on top of him. 4 Philip Pohle was internally decapitated while clearing trees in Ohio in March. WBNS10 His foot was still stuck on the gas, which gradually pushed a tree branch against his neck. Then, the branch started to tilt his head upwards, causing his spine to separate from his skull — known as internal decapitation, WBNS reported.
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