Dan Vee, Alec Harder, Keith Richter, and Mark Kley (L-R) stand around and shovel in dirt for a newly planted tree at Shirley’s Park. The trees were planted for Brian Domeier, who almost died after being run over by his tractor.

NEW ULM – After he nearly died from injuries sustained in a tractor accident, friends of Brian Domeier came together to plant trees for him at Shirley’s Park Sunday.

Domeier had to be airlifted from Shirley’s Park Wednesday, July 3, after his tractor started on its own and ran him over. He had been standing in front of one of the tractor’s big rear tires.

His father Dick Domeier said his son is lucky to be alive.

“There are miracles,” he said. “He was in an induced coma and very critical. We thought it’d be about four or five days, but he’s awake and coherent. I talked to him on the phone.”

When the tractor ran him over, Brian Domeier had been working on tree removal at Shirley’s Park, which he owns. Dick Domeier said some trees needed to come down and be replaced with new ones.

Pitching together to help a friend in need, friends and attendees of the campground planted over 40 trees were planted in three hours.

“I’m blessed with some of the greatest people in the world out here at the park,” Dick Domeier said. “This campground came together like you wouldn’t believe.”

Keith Richter was one of those people. He said after what Brian Domeier has done for the park, he had to give back in his time of need.

“Thankful that we’re able to do it for him,” he said. “We’re thankful he has made this park what it is.”

Justin Walters drilled holes for the trees. He said they planted maple, oak, apple, and peach trees among others, which they got from St. Cloud.

Walters said he did not hesitate to jump in and help, regardless of the effort needed.

“I’m not afraid of hard work,” he said, “I like helping out where I can. “If somebody is in need we’re all more than happy to help.

The group planted every single tree they had on hand, and they will be looking to plant more after acquiring them

Dick Domeier said Brian Domeier was unaware this was being done for him but couldn’t wait to tell him.

“He’s gonna be very grateful and humble,” Dick Domeier said. “That’s just the way he is.”