β€˜I've Got This:' TV Reporter Hurt by Falling Tree Updates Progress

A television reporter seriously injured by a toppling tree in an El Nino storm shared details on her recovery for the first time since surgery.

β€œEvery message reminds me that I've got this,” Marie Coronel posted to social media Wednesday, referring to messages from friends and other supporters.

β€œHow can you not keep fighting with so many cheerleaders,” she asked.

Coronel was covering the effects of the storm with photojournalist Mike Gold in Mira Mesa on Feb. 1 when the two were struck by a falling tree.

Gold, who called 911 immediately after being hit, suffered a compound leg fracture.

Coronel had more extensive injuries and underwent surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital.

On Wednesday, she said her doctors believe she has made progress.

β€œNever realized how simple tasks like walking could be so tough,” Coronel wrote.

β€œI am fighting through my injuries one goal at a time,” she continued while thanking the medical staff that is helping in her recovery.

Coronel also mentioned the San Diego woman who was killed by a falling tree in Pacific Beach the day before she and Gold were injured.

"My heart goes out to the friends and family of Nicki Carano, who was killed in the storm the day before I was injured," she wrote.

Carano, a professional drummer vocalist and dancer, was on her way to a gig Jan. 31, at around 3 p.m. when winds knocked down a large tree, crushing Carano's car.

 
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Hello Everyone! Starting off my day feeling blessed. Doctors say I have made so much progress. I never realized how...

Posted by Marie Coronel 10News on Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Station management at KGTV has reported Coronel and Gold are expected to make a full recovery.

In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, Gold described the tense and uncertain moments while the news crew waited for help.

β€œAt that moment she was in shock and terrified she was going to die,” Gold told the paper.

Gold had to direct emergency responders to the two’s whereabouts as it was pitch dark and the two were covered by branches, he told the newspaper.

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