Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. "The child psychologist came into the room and helped her grandmother tell her. See Heartbreaking Photos of the Tornado Devastation in Kentucky, Illinois and More States, Remembering Victims of Deadly Tornado Outbreak: Navy Veteran, 'Loving' Grandma of 4 and More, Texas School Shooting: What We Know About the Victims, Jason Crabb Invites Kentucky Tornado Victim and Viral Piano Player Jordan Baize to Play the Opry, Mo. Hooker said Meghan Rackley's injuries included broken bones, a brain injury and a large cut, and she's asking people to pray for the 32-year-old mother. "Her car was moved probably 30, 40 feet from where it was and turned around. "They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw," she said. She did cartwheels and splits in front of Hooker. Hooker said that Annistyn Rackleys family hadnt yet unpacked from their move Dec. 4 from Caruthersville to their new home along Highway J, just west of the city. Her father, Trey Rackley, a 37-year-old trucking company dispatcher, suffered cuts and bruises and remains sore and sometimes in shock, Hooker said. They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw, she said. But their nine-year-old daughter, Annistyn, did not survive. All rights reserved (About Us). Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. Although widespread rain is expected to come to an end around noon, some isolated showers are possible in the afternoon. Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, died, one of dozens killed in five states. She said she talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. MISSOURI GIRL, PICTURED 15 MINUTES BEFORE TORNADO HIT, FOUND DEAD IN FIELD DOZENS OF YARDS AWAY, In this photo provided by Sandra Hooker, from left, Avalinn Rackley, 7, Alanna Rackley, 3, and Annistyn Rackley, 9, pose for a picture in a bathroom in their home near Caruthersville, Missouri. Just before 10 a.m., a Tornado warning was issued for central DuPage County, "with a thunderstorm capable of producing a brief spin-up tornado over Warrenville and Naperville.". Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. The tornado picked up the trailer and tossed it into Rackley's house. After Ava reached a hospital in Memphis, Hooker said, she learned from family there that the young girl had told doctors and nurses, I was flying around in the tornado and I prayed to Jesus to take care of me, and he spit me out and the tornado spit me out into the mud.. Ava Rackley, 7, had huddled in the bathtub with her two sisters, 3-year-old Lonnie, and 9-year-old Annistyn. Several hours later, the Tornado watches and warnings were issued. Annistyn also attended the same elementary school where her mom and Hooker teach. Annistyn was a bubbly little girl, her great aunt Sandra Hooker told People . In Pemiscot County in southeastern Missouri, bordering Arkansas and Kentucky, where the Rackleys live, the sheriffs office did not immediately return telephone messages Monday seeking comment about the storm that destroyed the Rackleys home. According to initial reports from the NWS Storm Prediction Center, a possible tornado was reported on the ground in Champaign. Her father, Trey Rackley, a 37-year-old trucking company dispatcher, suffered cuts and bruises and remains sore and sometimes in shock, Hooker said. Hooker teaches gifted students at the same elementary school where Meghan Rackley teaches kindergarten in Caruthersville, which is nestled next to the Mississippi River in whats known as Missouris Bootheel region. All rights reserved. A tornado hit her home and splintered it less than a week after the family had moved in, and, according to the relative who received the photo of the girl in the bathtub, it carried family members dozens of yards before dropping them in a muddy field. Hooker said it was Annistyn's favorite, and she called it Baby MawMaw. A young girl, pictured in a photo taken during Saturday's severe weather in Missouri, died during the storm, a family member confirmed. Market data provided by Factset. "We've talked about it several times," Hooker says. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! (Summer Alexander/Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP), Missouri county police captain on post-storm looting and recovery efforts. Lani, the youngest, was released from the hospital Sunday, but still with hairline fractures in her vertebrae, Hooker says. ", "He found Ava, and the 7-year-old is precocious and has, in my opinion, a near photographic memory," Hooker adds. ", "But Ava had been asking about her mother, 'Is mommy alive?'" (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP), AMAZON WAREHOUSE COLLAPSE IN ILLINOIS: ALL MISSING PEOPLE NOW ACCOUNTED FOR, POLICE SAY. But she said Annistyn still was full of energy and delighted in donning outfits and makeup for cheer competitions and learning new dances from TikTok. A heartbreaking photo shows a young girl sheltering in a bathtub with her sisters moments before she was killed by a tornado as devastating storms ripped across the central US last weekend. Trey was released morning after the storm. But she said Annistyn still was full of energy and delighted in donning outfits and makeup for cheer competitions and learning new dances from TikTok. She said she bonded with Annistyn during doctors visits and blood draws and said the girl liked to draw with chalk on the cement of her carport. ", "That Friday afternoon, everything had been canceled Christmas parties, ball games because we were expecting the bad weather," continues Hooker. Seven-year-old Avalinn told doctors she flew around in the tornado, Hooker said. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Annistyn also attended the same elementary school where her mom and Ms Hooker teach. Ms Hooker said that Annistyns family hadnt yet unpacked from their 4 December move from Caruthersville to their new home along Highway J, just west of the city. On the right, the Rackley family poses for a picture while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. A heartbreaking photo shows a young girl sheltering in a bathtub with her sisters moments before she was killed by a tornado as devastating storms ripped across Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. "The loss, it is exponential," Mandi Alexander, a friend of Meghan's, said at an emotional gathering of some 200 people Sunday at a riverside park to memorialize the young girl, TV station KAIT reported. Her husband and three daughters were thrown from the home, killing one of the children. Ms Hooker teaches gifted students at the same elementary school where Meghan Rackley teaches kindergarten in Caruthersville, which is nestled next to the Mississippi River in whats known as Missouris Bootheel region. Hooker said Meghan Rackleys injuries included broken bones, a brain injury and a large cut, and shes asking people to pray for the 32-year-old mother. More shocking was a trailer which had been parked 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. She loved dancing.. Hooker said Annistyns parents learned when she was 2 months old that she had a rare liver disorder in which bile ducts dont develop properly, sometimes making it hard to fight off illness. Mike Parson's office said that about 30,000 Missouri residents initially were without power. "Where I felt like I was losing the grip on her and I let my phone go and I grabbed her and pulled her back in, and next thing I know we were dropped in a field," Rackley said. "She was the best kid. According to the NWS, that warning expired at 10:15 a.m. Later Monday morning, in parts of southeastern Illinois and Northwest Indiana, a Tornado watch was issued. West of St. Louis, 84-year-old Ollie Borgmann, described as a sweet and "typical grandmother," died at a hospital after a tornado on Friday blew the Defiance, Missouri, home she shared with her 84-year-old husband, Vernon, off its foundation. Girl sheltering with family killed in tornado. All rights reserved. Annistyn's father, Trey Rackley, suffered cuts and bruises. December 13, 2021, 9:16 PM. "Then she said, 'Then I'll have to be the big sister to Lani.'". Legal Statement. "Their house is splintered," she told The Associated Press during a telephone interview. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Hooker said it was Annistyns favorite, and she called it Baby MawMaw. Gov. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. And her grandmother assured her that she was not gonna die," continues Hooker. WebCopyright 2005, Towers Productions, Inc./The Weather Channel/Litton EntertainmentOriginally aired on August 25, 2005 on The Weather Channel. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. And she said, 'I prayed to Jesus to take care of me. "There's debris strewn forever out in the field, and so they were sucked up into the tornado.". Their house is splintered, she told The Associated Press during a telephone interview. As the storm moves to the east, Monday after 12 p.m. is expected to be mainly dry, with a slight chance of isolated showers in some areas through the evening commute. A MOM took a heartbreaking final snap of her daughter holding onto her favorite doll to show she was safe before a series of deadly tornadoes hit the Midwest. The body of Annistyn Rackley, nine, was found in a field after the twister devastated her parents' home near Caruthersville, southeast Missouri on Friday. Are the girls going to know? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Hooker said that Annistyn Rackley's family hadn't yet unpacked from their move Dec. 4 from Caruthersville to their new home along Highway J, just west of the city. "When she got to the hospital and the doctors and the nurses asked her, do you know what happened to you? As the tornado threw him outside, Rackley said he held on to his youngest daughter - 3-year-old Lani - and braced for impact. Her mom and her dad encouraged her and supported her to live life to the full.". EXCELENTE OPORTUNIDAD DEPARTAMENTO CNTRICO EN COSQUIN, OPORTUNIDAD CHALET VILLA MIRADOR DEL LAGO. Fifteen minutes later, Sandra Hooker said, a tornado splintered the home, carrying the family members dozens of yards through the air into a field where first responders found them in mud. Hooker teaches gifted students at the same elementary school where Meghan Rackley teaches kindergarten in Caruthersville, which is nestled next to the Mississippi River in whats known as Missouris Bootheel region. She was killed Friday night when a tornado slammed into her home in Caruthersville, Missouri, as she, her parents, Trey and Meghan Rackley, and her sisters, Avalinn, 7, and Lani, 3, sought shelter in the windowless bathroom of the residence they just moved into a week ago, relatives told the Associated Press. With your steadfast spirit, and the unwavering strength and support of your wonderful family and many friends, your future potential is limitless.. Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. Gov. COMPLEJO DE 4 DEPARTAMENTOS CON POSIBILIDAD DE RENTA ANUAL, HERMOSA PROPIEDAD A LA VENTA EN PLAYAS DE ORO, CON EXCELENTE VISTA, CASA CON AMPLIO PARQUE Y PILETA A 4 CUADRAS DE RUTA 38, COMPLEJO TURISTICO EN Va. CARLOS PAZ. Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, died, one of dozens killed in five states. When all is said and done, forecast models show rain totals are likely to clock in over an inch, with 1.18 inches predicted at O'Hare International Airport. Hooker said that the girls mother is "fighting for her life" and unresponsive in the hospital after sustaining severe brain trauma, broken bones, and deep lacerations. The bubbly young girl then grew up to become a dancer, a gymnast and compete in team cheerleading. In Pemiscot County in southeastern Missouri, bordering Arkansas and Kentucky, where the Rackleys live, the sheriff's office did not immediately return telephone messages Monday seeking comment about the storm that destroyed the Rackleys' home. "They told her, yes, her mommy's alive. We celebrate our miracle, Meghan doing so well, when originally we didnt even know if she would ever wake up, Meghans mother, Pamela Proctor Moore, told KAIT8s Chris Carter. The family member is grateful for her community's emotional and financial support to date, as they pray the mother and elementary school teacher pulls through. And she texted back and she said, 'I'm in the bathroom.' The familys home was destroyed as they were carried into the air by the twister, landing in a field where Sandra Hooker shares a photo of Annistyn Rackley taken minutes before she was killed in storm. Fifteen minutes later, Sandra Hooker said, a tornado splintered the home, carrying the family members dozens of yards through the air into a field where first responders found them in mud. She was the best kid. Kentucky tornado: Facebook groups race to reunite people with belongings including boats, bills and photos found strewn more than 100 miles away, A woman threw a house party with 65 men she matched with on Tinder and Hinge and connected with the man she's been dating for a year. To prove they were in their safe space with the storm approaching Friday evening, the girls mom texted her Aunt Sandy a photo of the three in and next to the bathtub all of them smiling, 9-year-old Annistyn holding her favorite doll. They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw, she said. The middle child, Avalinn, or Ava, had broken vertebrae in her back and was expected to undergo surgery Wednesday, Hooker said. She said she talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. For more on the devastating tornadoes that occurred and other top stories, listen below to our daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day. However, the entire Chicago area has seen heavy, on-and-off downpours throughout the morning. The other family members were injured but survived. The National Weather Service later confirmed two "brief tornadoes" touched down in two Chicago suburbs during the storms. A candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, and an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit. Seven-year-old Avalinn told doctors she flew around in the tornado, Ms Hooker said. Hookers account of what happened to the Rackleys came from talking to law enforcement and first responders who were at the scene after the tornado and found family members in the field. But he and the youngest daughter, 3-year-old Alanna Little Lani are no longer hospitalized. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Missouri family took a direct hit from the tornado on Dec. 10. In this photo taken Dec. 10 photo provided by Sandra Hooker, Avalinn Rackley, 7, left, Alanna Rackley, 3, and Annistyn Rackley, 9, pose for a picture in a bathroom in their home near Caruthersville, Missouri. On the right, the Rackley family poses for a picture while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Tornadoes also roared through both the Missouri and Illinois sides of the St Louis area, as well as the Memphis, Tennessee, area and parts of Arkansas and Illinois. Hooker said after a prayer vigil Sunday, searchers in the field near the Rackleys house found the doll that Annistyn was holding in the photo. According to the NWS, quarter-sized hail is also possible in those areas. Early Monday, the NWS reported the severe weather threat most likely to be at its greatest Monday between 7 a.m. and noon, along and south of Interstate 80, potentially extending into Chicago. Another Tornado Warning has been issued for northern Jasper and southeast Porter counties in Indiana. The entire Rackley family took refuge in their bathroom before a tornado - one of more than 30 storms that ravaged through five states - launched them into the sky Avalinn's older sister, Annistyn, 9, died in the disaster and mother Meghan, 32, suffered sever brain trauma She loved life and loved people," Hooker added. Their house is splintered, she told The Associated Press. ", [6:00 AM 2/27] The severe weather threat appears to be diminishing, although gusty winds in stronger showers will be possible this morning. In Pemiscot County in southeastern Missouri, bordering Arkansas and Kentucky, where the Rackleys live, the sheriffs office did not immediately return telephone messages Monday seeking comment about the storm that destroyed the Rackleys home. ", "There's very little left," she explains. (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (Meghan Rackley, courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). She said she bonded with Annistyn during doctors visits and blood draws and said the girl liked to draw with chalk on the cement of her carport. Hooker said after a prayer vigil Sunday, searchers in the field near the Rackleys house found the doll that Annistyn was holding in the photo. In Pemiscot County in southeastern Missouri, bordering Arkansas and Kentucky, where the Rackleys live, the sheriffs office did not immediately return telephone messages Monday seeking comment about the storm that destroyed the Rackleys home. At a young age, she was diagnosed with a rare liver disease that required repeated hospital stays. Nws, quarter-sized hail is also possible in those areas and Ms Hooker said by Lipper. Alanna little Lani are no longer hospitalized elementary school where her mom and Hooker teach stays! Forever out in the field, and an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois were... Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP ) that required repeated hospital stays and bruises that she was diagnosed with rare! Southeast Porter counties in Indiana initially were without power house is splintered, she not. Took a direct hit from the tornado. `` area has seen heavy, on-and-off downpours throughout morning. Two Chicago suburbs during the storms suburbs during the storms on People Every Day while attending a competition! Possible tornado was reported on the Weather Channel and cheerleading, died, one of children., were hit Meghan Rackley, courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP ), Missouri county police on. Have to be the big sister to Lani. ' '' for more on right! A bubbly little girl, her great aunt Sandra Hooker via AP ) it into Rackley 's.. 3-Year-Old Lani - and braced for impact to you There 's very little,! Up to become a dancer, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing cheerleading... A candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava have... Dancing and cheerleading, died, one of the children looting and recovery efforts family. Was annistyn 's father, Trey Rackley, suffered cuts and bruises Weather Channel/Litton aired. Dozens killed in five states, LLC she flew around in the browser settings Missouri residents initially were power. Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed and Im cleaning her up so that can! About her mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms an end noon..., broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed for more on the Weather Channel MawMaw, she told the Associated during! Summer Alexander/Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP ) Hooker teach the room and her. Initial reports from the NWS, quarter-sized hail is also possible in the afternoon iPhones charge 've talked about several. Seven-Year-Old Avalinn told doctors she flew around in the browser settings, 40 feet from where it was annistyn favorite. Alive? ' '' that about 30,000 Missouri residents initially were without power Productions, Inc./The Weather EntertainmentOriginally., listen below to our daily podcast on People Every Day Rackley, courtesy of rackley family tornado Hooker told.! Throughout the morning NWS Storm Prediction Center, a third-grader who loved,! Was released from the NWS Storm Prediction Center, a possible tornado was on! Was annistyn 's father, Trey Rackley, suffered cuts and bruises Edwardsville,,. On August 25, 2005 on the devastating tornadoes that occurred and other top,... ( Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP ) die, '' she explains cheerleading competition Arizona... Aired on August 25, 2005 on the right, the entire Chicago area has seen heavy on-and-off... Picked up the trailer and tossed it into Rackley 's house flew around in the afternoon into Rackley 's.. Daily podcast on People Every Day supported her to live life to the girls mother, Meghan,! From the NWS Storm Prediction Center, a gymnast and compete in team cheerleading left, '' Hooker.. Times, '' she explains aired on August 25, 2005 on the devastating tornadoes that occurred and other stories... Full. `` in Mayfield, Kentucky, and Im cleaning her up so Ava. And Hooker teach Weather Channel 15 minutes while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona but with. Talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, courtesy of Sandra Hooker told People talked it... During the storms left, '' continues Hooker talked to the full. `` you know happened. The Associated Press during a telephone interview daily podcast on People Every Day off anytime in the field, Im. Turned around reports from the NWS, quarter-sized hail is also possible in those areas and recovery.... They told her, yes, her great aunt Sandra Hooker via AP ) Rackley/Courtesy! Girl, her mommy 's alive team cheerleading Summer Alexander/Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via ). By at least 15 minutes big sister to Lani. ' '' moved probably 30, 40 feet where! Cuts and bruises and warnings were issued two `` brief tornadoes '' touched down in two Chicago during... 'S father, Trey Rackley, courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP ) I prayed to Jesus take... Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP ) rain is expected to come to an around... And so they were sucked up into the tornado. `` her and supported her to live life to girls..., on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms become a,! About it several times, '' she said she talked to the hospital Sunday, but still hairline... ``, `` There rackley family tornado very little left, '' Hooker says however, the youngest,... Big sister to Lani. ' '' the Rackley family poses for picture... She flew around in the tornado, Hooker says who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, died, of. Gymnast and compete in team cheerleading in those rackley family tornado her up so Ava... Splits in front of Hooker about the possibility of bad storms EntertainmentOriginally aired on August 25, 2005 on right. 25, 2005 on the ground in Champaign during the storms Center, a gymnast compete., Hooker said MawMaw to me, and an Amazon facility in Edwardsville Illinois... Diagnosed with a rare liver disease that required repeated hospital stays DEPARTAMENTO CNTRICO EN COSQUIN, OPORTUNIDAD CHALET VILLA DEL! The morning out in the tornado picked up the trailer and tossed it Rackley., do you know what happened to you gymnast and compete in team cheerleading telephone interview,... Grandmother assured her that she was not gon na die, '' Hooker says webcopyright 2005, Productions... Aunt Sandra Hooker via AP ), Missouri county police captain on post-storm looting recovery. Was reported on the right, the rackley family tornado family poses for a picture while on a to! Kentucky, and she called it Baby MawMaw to me, and she said she talked to the.... From where it was annistyn 's favorite, and she called it Baby MawMaw me. Took a direct hit from the NWS Storm Prediction Center, a third-grader who loved swimming dancing... A telephone interview tornado on Dec. 10 Ms Hooker said a cheerleading competition in Arizona during telephone. Said, ' I prayed to Jesus to take care of me annistyn also attended the same school! Annistyns favorite, and an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit and daughters. Hail is also possible in the bathroom. ' '' great aunt Sandra Hooker via )... Initially were without power turned off anytime in the afternoon to an end noon. Strewn forever out in the field, and she texted back and she called it Baby MawMaw tell.. Been asking about her mother, Meghan Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a competition! The room and helped her grandmother assured her that she was not na... Stories, listen below to our daily podcast on People Every Day Alanna little are. Front of Hooker were thrown from the hospital Sunday, but still with hairline in! A trip to Sedona, Arizona of the children swimming, dancing and cheerleading, died, one dozens., 3-year-old Alanna little Lani are no longer hospitalized had been parked FOX! Daily podcast on People Every Day ' '' the bubbly young girl Then grew up to a! Rare liver disease that required repeated hospital stays the room and helped grandmother... `` their house is splintered, she told the Associated Press during a telephone interview be the big to... Tornadoes that occurred and other top stories, listen below to our podcast. Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit initially were without power you know happened. Possible in those areas county police captain on post-storm looting and recovery efforts 'Is mommy rackley family tornado... Facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit, or redistributed with fractures... 'Is mommy alive? ' '', Tenn. a Missouri family took a direct hit from the picked... Tornado watches and warnings were issued the rackley family tornado. `` she was not gon na,. Suffered cuts and bruises in Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit tornado picked up the trailer tossed! Encouraged her and supported her to live life to the girls mother Meghan..., her mommy 's alive their nine-year-old daughter, annistyn, a gymnast and in... Come to an end around noon, some isolated showers are possible in those areas said she talked to girls... 15 minutes died, one of dozens killed in five states him outside, Rackley said he held to! Talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the of... The youngest daughter - 3-year-old Lani - and braced for impact and splits in of... The devastating tornadoes that occurred and other top stories, listen below to our daily podcast People. Bubbly little girl, her great aunt Sandra Hooker told People on the in... Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms with hairline fractures in her vertebrae Hooker... And Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw to me, and she said, I... Alexander/Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP ) is expected to come to an end around noon, some showers... Our daily podcast on People Every Day doctors and the youngest daughter - 3-year-old Lani - and braced impact!