", "Anni was a miracle," she says. Another Tornado Warning has been issued for northern Jasper and southeast Porter counties in Indiana. Trey and Meghan Rackley and their three daughters sought shelter in a windowless bathroom in their southeast Missouri home as storms raged across the middle of the country. They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw, she said. As the tornado threw him outside, Rackley said he held on to his youngest daughter - 3-year-old Lani - and braced for impact. The familys home was destroyed as they were carried into the air by the twister, landing in a field where they were found in the mud by first responders. Legal Statement. ", Hooker recalls Ava asking her grandmother, 'Where's Anni? All rights reserved (About Us). 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. 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 and Meghan Rackley and their three daughters sought shelter in a windowless bathroom in their southeast Missouri home as storms raged across the middle of the country. Ava Rackley, 7, had huddled in the bathtub with her two sisters, 3-year-old Lonnie, and 9-year-old Annistyn. Trey was released morning after the 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. "I would just gasp because she could do the splits all the time, and she would just laugh," 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 what's known as Missouri's Bootheel region. (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP), AMAZON WAREHOUSE COLLAPSE IN ILLINOIS: ALL MISSING PEOPLE NOW ACCOUNTED FOR, POLICE SAY. ", "I believe she was an angel walking among us, because she was so kind and sweet and loving and caring, not just to me, but to everyone," she says. And she said, 'I prayed to Jesus to take care of me. However, wind gusts near 40 miles per hour are likely to make things feel colder. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. All rights reserved. In this undated photo provided by Sandra Hooker, the Rackley family poses for a picture while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. Mike Parsons office said that about 30,000 Missouri residents initially were without power. "They had abrasions and scrapes, bruises, lacerations, little cuts. Meghan, 32, her husband Trey, 37, and their three girls Annistyn and younger siblings Avalinn, 7, and Lani, 3 had moved to their new home outside of Caruthersville just one week before the tornado leveled it. Trey and Meghan Rackley and their three daughters sought shelter in a windowless bathroom in their southeast Missouri home as storms raged 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. The Caruthersville community held a service Sunday to honor Annistyn Rackley and keep her family in their thoughts. Hooker said it was Annistyn's favorite, and she called it Baby MawMaw. Her father, Trey Rackley, a 37-year-old trucking company dispatcher, suffered cuts and bruises and remains sore and sometimes in shock, Hooker said. she says. A young girl, pictured in a photo taken during Saturday's severe weather in Missouri, died during the storm, a family member confirmed. 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. Hooker called Annistyn Rackley a "special angel," recalling the girl as outgoing and energetic despite a rare liver condition that required regular doctors visits. "And he's been shaken terribly from the tornado. Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, was among dozens of people who died because of the severe storm on Friday, Dec. 10. "They brought in a specialist to clean the debris out of her eyes. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. In this undated photo provided by Sandra Hooker, the Rackley family poses for a picture while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Her father, Trey Rackley, a 37-year-old trucking company dispatcher, suffered cuts and bruises and remains sore and sometimes in shock, Hooker said. "When she got to the hospital and the doctors and the nurses asked her, do you know what happened to you? Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. The other family members were injured, but survived. The Rackley family also received gift cards from the former President and his family as Christmas gifts. Annistyn also attended the same elementary school where her mom and Hooker teach. Hooker's 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. Ms Hooker called Annistyn a special angel, recalling the girl as outgoing and energetic despite a rare liver condition that required regular doctors visits. Hooker described Annistyn as an outgoing, loving, and creative young girl that loved dancing and cheerleading. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. From left, Annistyn Rackley with sisters Avalinn and Lani. Hooker called Annistyn Rackley a special angel, recalling the girl as outgoing and energetic despite a rare liver condition that required regular doctors visits. 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. Following a morning of thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain and strong winds, the threat of tornadoes loomed late Monday morning over parts of the Chicago area as the National Weather Service issued warning and watches spanning from DuPage County in Illinois to Porter County in Indiana. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, But he gets up and powers through it, and is hunting in the mud for his family. Market data provided by Factset. Ms Hooker said Annistyns parents learned when she was two months old that she had a rare liver disorder in which bile ducts dont develop properly, sometimes making it hard to fight off illness. CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The middle child, Avalinn, or Ava, had broken vertebrae in her back and was expected to undergo surgery Wednesday, Hooker said. The photo was taken by their mother, Meghan Rackley. And she didn't act like she was disabled or handicapped in any way. Additionally, there were reports that a "brief tornado" touched down in DuPage County, and reports of wind damage from a "possible tornado in Kendall County. But update shortly after that indicated that "the severe weather threat appears to be diminishing. She loved dancing.. 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. "The child psychologist came into the room and helped her grandmother tell her. Example video title will go here for this video. Eighty percent of the children with this disease have to have a liver transplant by the time they are 18. Her nine-year-old daughter, Annistyn, was killed by the tornado. 7-year-old Avalinn Rackley broke her vertebrae in the same storm that destroyed her family home and took the life of her older sister.. After a successful surgery on Wednesday, Her father, Trey Rackley, a 37-year-old trucking company dispatcher, suffered cuts and bruises and remains sore and sometimes in shock, Ms Hooker said. Then yesterday they took [Lani] up to the PICU and let [Ava] see her. Lee's stance on anti-drag law, Man dead after pedestrian crash on East Shelby Drive, More storms expected today with severe weather possible late tonight, Everything you need to know to prepare for severe weather, Florida father & son killed on hunting trip during storms in Tennessee, Kentucky safety agency to investigate tornado deaths at candle factory, Federal disaster declared after deadly storms in Tennessee, 'Im drying them out trying not to cry': Tornado survivors salvage pictures, any memories after neighborhood wiped out. On the right, the Rackley family poses for a picture while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Hooker also said she talked to the girl's father. Ky. Tornado Survivors Speak Out as Death Toll Hits 64: 'I Kept Praying, Please Let Me Get to My Kids'. You could just tell how much it affected her. ", "There's very little left," she explains. ", "He found Ava, and the 7-year-old is precocious and has, in my opinion, a near photographic memory," Hooker adds. Family and friends set up a donation drive to assist the Rackleys with medical expenses and funds to help them find a new home. The trees in the front yard were uprooted. But she adds that finding those three specific, tangible pieces from the girl's life are a comfort. One confirmed death in Missouri was a nine-year-old girl, Annistyn Rackley Her two sisters and parents survived when their house was destroyed by a tornado At least 88 people have died across five states as tornadoes ripped through multiple United States communities in the South and Midwest. According to forecast models, the chance for such weather will be the highest south of the Kankakee River, and along and south of Interstate 80, forecast models show. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Their house is splintered, she told The Associated Press during a telephone interview. She said it was Annistyns favourite, and she called it Baby MawMaw. "I just ask everyone to pray that Meghan will wake up and come back to us," said Hooker. A candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, and an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. EYEWITNESS TO DEADLY KENTUCKY TORNADO DISCUSSES STATE OF COMMUNITY: WE LOST OUR HISTORY. 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. A candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, and an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit. She said she bonded with Annistyn during doctor's visits and blood draws and said the girl liked to draw with chalk on the cement of her carport. Seven-year-old Avalinn told doctors she flew around "in the tornado," Hooker said. LOTE EN VA PARQUE SIQUIMAN A 2 CUADRAS DE LAGO SAN ROQUE. I would just gasp because she could do the splits all the time, and she would just laugh, Hooker said. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. AMAZON EMPLOYEE ALMOST PICKED UP SHIFT BEFORE TORNADO STRUCK WAREHOUSE, KILLING CO-WORKERS. Trey and Meghan Rackley and their three daughters sought shelter in a windowless bathroom in their southeast Missouri home as storms raged across the middle of the country. Gov. Trey and Meghan Rackley and their three daughters sought shelter in a windowless bathroom in their southeast Missouri Designed by, INVERSORES! Girl sheltering with family killed in tornado. Get ready.' BRAGGADOCIO, MO. 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. However, around 5 a.m. Monday, lightning, thunder and rain were widespread across the area, stretching from McHenry County to Central Cook and into Northwest Indiana. Annistyn Rackley was at home with her mom Meghan, her dad Trey, and her two younger sisters when the tornado hit their home just east of Braggadocio. 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. "She said that she knew she was flying around the tornado and she said 'I prayed to Jesus for him to take care of me' and that tornado spit me out into the mud," Hooker said. "He immediately got up and started trying to find his family, because there's not a better daddy in this world, not a better husband, even though he has a broken vertebrae and a broken rib and all these cuts and abrasions and things on his body," Hooker says. And we all agreed that they had an interior bathroom with no windows [in the new home]. Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "Sometime during this conversation, she Snapchatted that picture of the girls in the tub. Annistyn also attended the same elementary school where her mom and Hooker teach. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. "I prayed to Jesus for him to take care of me and that tornado spit me out into the mud," a 7-year-old reportedly told doctors. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. The rain will subside in the evening, when the focus will shift to the wind, the NBC 5 Storm Team says, with strong gusts expected across most of the region. Now the community of 6,000 is rallying for the Rackleys again this time with prayer, as a tornado spawned by a wave of storms that left destruction and death across six states Friday night killed the 9-year-old and left her mother, Meghan, a kindergarten teacher, unresponsive in the hospital with multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury. (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). "We've talked about it several times," Hooker says. Annistyn also attended the same elementary school where her mom and Ms Hooker teach. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. She said she talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. 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. She loved life and loved people," Hooker added. She said she talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. (Meghan Rackley, courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). Tornado victims include granddad who 'stole the show', Tornado-slammed parts of Kentucky face long recovery, Storm victims include Missouri girl, aunt's 'special angel', Kentucky tornado - latest: Death toll hits 88 amid claims workers were threatened with firing as storm neared. 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. Her great aunt said that the diagnosis never held her back, and she was encouraged by her sisters and her parents to live life to the fullest. At a young age, she was diagnosed with a rare liver disease that required repeated hospital stays. We are so encouraged by the strength of and determination you have shown during this very difficult time, the letter said. 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. And ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper photo was taken by their mother Meghan. Came into the room and helped her grandmother tell her act like she was with! Links on our site, we may receive compensation doctors she flew around `` in the tornado the... 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