Herndon family.Photo: GoFundMe
Ethan Herndon, 33, and 1-year-old daughter Riley died after a tornado struck their home in Wren, where they lived on a street that was named after their family, which has lived there for generations, according toThe New York Times.
“This sweet family is physically and emotionally shattered. They have suffered the most painful and terrifying loss any of us can imagine, and their needs are obvious and great,” reads a message on the family’s GoFundMe, which has raised over $131,000 as of Monday.
Elizabeth “suffered multiple injuriesincluding a broken arm and leg as well as a dislocated hip,” a family member wrote.
“Brantley, the oldest child was airlifted to LeBonheur Hospital immediately with multiple broken bones, a lacerated liver, and a punctured lung,” the family member shared, adding that Aubrey was hospitalized with “multiple lacerations, a broken elbow, and a possible broken ankle.”
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Over the weekend, Ethan’s cousin wrote that the family’s injuries “are much more extensive” than they initially thought, and that Ethan’s parents lost their home as well.
In a separate update, Ethan’s sister wrote that Brantley willrequire “extensive surgery"and that Aubrey’s “oxygen level is struggling to stay where it needs to be.”
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In the midst of their “heartbreaking” loss, the family is also grateful for the love and support they’ve received.
“I visited Elizabeth today. I told her there were so many people who loved her and were praying for her, Brantley, and Aubrey,” Ethan’s cousin wrote on Sunday. “She said she could feel the prayers from everyone.”
As of Sunday, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reported25 fatalities and dozens of injuriesas a result of the deadly tornadoes that tore through the state. Additionally, the stormsclaimed at least one other lifein Alabama.
As search and recovery efforts continue, Gov. Tate Reeves warned over the weekend that there’s a risk of “more bad weather heading our way.”
As of Monday, MSEMA said that there was a"moderate” risk of severe weatherin central Mississippi and throughout southern parts of the state.
“Please take caution, check weather alerts, and keep your families safe,” Tate wrote on social media. “We’re monitoring the situation and have emergency management prepared to respond as necessary.”
Some of the ways you can help tornado victims include donating to theUnited Way of West Central Mississippi, which is focusing on water donations and financial support, as well as theAmerican Red Cross, which is helping provide food at anumber of local shelters.
source: people.com
