Father Calls Son's Rescuers "Angels"

Chris Harper was at work Sunday when he got word his family had been in a horrible accident.

He soon found out his wife and two children had been rescued from their burning SUV by good Samaritans who risked their own lives in a desperate attempt to save Harper's 4-year-old son, David Harper, from the flames.

Chris said on "The Early Show" Wednesday from Milwaukee that the people who helped save his family are "angels."

"I still believe (in) the people of America. There's still good people in America," he said. "And I would have done the same thing. I mean, they're heroes in my heart. God sent them there and put them there. The words can't express the gratitude that I owe them to helping my family."

Chris said his son is in critical, but stable, condition at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, and will be undergoing several operations.

His wife, Angela Baldessari, and their 2-year-old daughter, Beverly, escaped the fiery crash into a tree with only scratches and bruises.

Chris told "Early Show" co-anchor Harry Smith his wife is dealing with "a lot of guilt" since the accident.

Chris told Smith his wife didn't know what was happening. He said, "She closed her eyes just for a minute. It happened so fast. Next thing you know, the vehicle was on fire and she was trying to get out."

Chris said he's seen the video, but he's not going to watch it again.

"I'm working with (my wife) right now. She has a lot of guilt associated, but she's -- we're trying to pull together," he said. "We're pulling together. We have a good support system up here."

Chris says he's confident David will be OK.

"He was special when he was born. He was born premature and weighed one pound, six ounces. ... He's been through a fight all his life already," he said. "I know he'll make it through this one."

David Harper Trust Fund at US Bank
182374377873
You can deposit money into this account at any U.S. Bank branch office. If you do not have a US Bank near your location, then your local bank can transfer funds to the trust fund for David Harper, account number: 182374377873.