A couple who was seriously injured in a double-airboat crash in Ochopee is speaking out about the incident.
"It was very, very scary, and just not knowing the depths and the severity of the incident," said David Tolson, who was on the airboat with his wife and kids.
On Friday, Dec. 13, two airboats crashed head-on, leaving at least 24 people injured, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
A youth football and cheer group called 8U Mega Boyz traveling from California were the people aboard the airboats operated by Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours.
The kids were ages 8 and under, along with coaches and chaperones.
David Tolson, 39, his wife Pershonda, 41, and their children were visiting Naples for a football and cheer event.
"We were enjoying ourselves, and then, at the blink of an eye, tragedy struck and derailed that adventure," said Tolson.
According to a release, 16 people were sent to the hospital, including Pershonda, who suffered a severe concussion, multiple fractures and other injuries.
She remains hospitalized in Florida with her family.
David suffered five broken ribs and a broken arm in the crash. The couple's three-year-old nephew got a large gash on the top of his head that the release states took 30 staples to close.
"Any father would probably tell you that feeling is probably one of the worst feelings you can feel, is to not be able to protect your family," said Tolson.
A person with Mega Football and Cheer said half of the team returned to California, while a few families remained in Florida.
The team was in Florida for the Nationals.
Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours said in a statement, "All of us at Wooten’s offer our sincere sympathies to everyone involved and wish them a speedy recovery.
NBC2 obtained a TikTok video from Megan Brown that shows parts of the incident.