Their house is splintered, she told The Associated Press during a telephone interview. There's some good news, though: temperatures are expected to be nearly 15 degrees above average, with highs in the 50s. 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. "And he's been shaken terribly from the tornado. On the right, the Rackley family poses for a picture while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Hooker is the sister of Meghan Rackleys grandmother, and she said she and Annistyn, or Anni, grew close over the past four years. 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. Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, was among dozens of people who died because of the severe storm on Friday. 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. Seven-year-old Avalinn told doctors she flew around in the tornado, Hooker said. Her nine-year-old daughter, Annistyn, was killed by the tornado. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 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. A candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, and an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit. While some winds are expected to remain Tuesday, the day will shape up to be much more comfortable and peaceful, with partly sunny skies and high temperatures in the low 50s. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. The other family members were injured, but survived. 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. She loved life and loved people," Hooker added. 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. The family's home was hit by a massive tornado on Friday night. Gov. 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. When Annistyn Rackley was born with a rare liver disease that required major surgery at just 2 months old, small-town Caruthersville, Missouri hard against the Mississippi River in the rural southeast corner of the state poured out its heart to raise funds for the family's medical expenses. Both the strong storms and heavy rain will likely move out by noon Monday, the NBC 5 Storm Team says. 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 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. Meghan Rackley was hospitalized for several weeks after the Dec. 10 tornado hit her home. 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. They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw, she said. But he and the youngest daughter, 3-year-old Alanna Little Lani are no longer hospitalized. They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw, she said. Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. Annistyn was a bubbly little girl, her great aunt Sandra Hooker told People . Ky. Tornado Survivors Speak Out as Death Toll Hits 64: 'I Kept Praying, Please Let Me Get to My Kids'. ", "There's very little left," she explains. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. But their nine-year-old daughter, Annistyn, did not survive. An extended Missouri family is grieving, after a tornado ripped through their home this weekend, claiming a young life and changed the lives of the survivors forever. (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). "In spite of everything, she was just always so brave, just you would never know, she was always smiling. Ms Hooker called Annistyn a special angel, recalling the girl as outgoing and energetic despite a rare liver condition that required regular doctors visits. CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. All rights reserved. Seven-year-old Avalinn told doctors she flew around in the tornado, Hooker said. Are the girls going to know? ", [6:00 AM 2/27] The severe weather threat appears to be diminishing, although gusty winds in stronger showers will be possible this morning. 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. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. (Meghan Rackley, courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). After Ava reached a hospital in Memphis, Ms 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.. ", "Trey said Lani had gotten out of the tub and he got on top of her, on the floor," adds Hooker. Mike Parsons office said that about 30,000 Missouri residents initially were without power. (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). She did cartwheels and splits in front of Hooker. 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. (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). Copyright 2023 ec Estudio Integral. Although much of the area will see rain, thunder, lightning and gusty winds, other parts will see stronger storms with damaging winds up to 60 miles per hour, the NBC 5 Storm Team says. 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. Hooker said Annistyn's parents learned when she was 2 months old that she had a rare liver disorder in which bile ducts don't develop properly, sometimes making it hard to fight off illness. Hooker said it was Annistyns favorite, and she called it Baby MawMaw. Copyright 2022 KAIT. "And she did," Hooker tells PEOPLE, "right up till the tornado killed her. And I texted her and said, 'The sirens are going off.' The stuff was just strewn everywhere.". We need continued prayers for Meghans improvement and getting her settled in a new normal when she gets to come home.. A Missouri family is coping with the loss of a child and two family members fighting for their lives after a tornado swept through their home 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. (Summer Alexander/Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). And her grandmother assured her that she was not gonna die," continues Hooker. 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. Hooker also said she talked to the girls father. 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. 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See the damage of the tornado that tore through Kentucky and other states, Kentucky tornado survivors share stories of their terrifying experience, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 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. On the right, the Rackley family poses for a picture while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. But update shortly after that indicated that "the severe weather threat appears to be diminishing. Ms Hooker is the sister of Meghan Rackleys grandmother, and she said she and Annistyn, or Anni, grew close over the past four years. All rights reserved. Here's why. They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw, she said. 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. That tornado just spit me out and threw me in the ground, in the mud.'". All rights reserved. They had an acre lot surrounded on three sides by a field. 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. 1:41. Man Who Fatally Shot, Then Burned Bodies of Grandparents, Sister, and 3-Month-Old Gets 4 Life Terms, 2 on Hunting Trip Including Boy, 12 Found Dead as Family Searches for Dad After Tenn. Tornado, 5-Month-Old Baby Dies After Ky. Tornado Destroys Home, Parents Remain Hospitalized: 'They Lost Everything', These 4 Fla. 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Theres debris strewn forever out in the field, and so they were sucked up into the tornado., 'It's devastating':See the damage of the tornado that tore through Kentucky and other states, Nation:Kentucky tornado survivors share stories of their terrifying experience. The front door was in a tree behind the house. "We are believing for a miracle, so we are going to say that we are optimistic that she will pull through. "Sometime during this conversation, she Snapchatted that picture of the girls in the tub. Rackleys middle daughter, Ava, was seriously injured in the storm and had to undergo several spinal surgeries. or redistributed. (Summer Alexander/Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP), Aunt shares tragic story of 9-year-old Missouri girl killed by tornado as mom fights for her life. Hooker added that she would often call Annistyn an "angel among us.". She loved dancing.. After a series of violent storms devastated many midwestern and southern communities last week, one young injured girl is inspiring the masses with her bravery. She loved dancing.. "I just ask everyone to pray that Meghan will wake up and come back to us," said Hooker. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Lote en Mirador del Lago:3.654 m2.Excelente vista al Lago, LOTE EN EL CONDADO DE 1430 m2, EN COSQUIN. 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. And so they were readythey thought," said Hooker during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" with Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt and Lawrence Jones. 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. Ms 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. Hooker said she and others are relying on their faith, especially after hearing what the surviving middle daughter Ava told doctors. Meghan and Trey had discussed it. All rights reserved (About Us). 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. (Stephanie Greenwell) The loss, it is exponential, Mandi Alexander, a long-time friend of Meghan Rackleys, said. She did cartwheels and splits in front of Ms Hooker. According to the NBC 5 Storm Team, steady, heavy rain is expected to continue developing throughout the morning, impacting roads and highways as commuters make their way to work. Loved ones said the Friday night storm in Caruthersville, Missouri - about 75 miles north of Memphis - killed nine-year-old Annistyn Rackley and put the mother, Meghan Rackley, in a coma. 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.". Hooker said it was Annistyn's favorite, and she called it Baby MawMaw. But whatever happens we know that God's will will be done," Hooker added. 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. Ava, 7, had broken vertebrae in her back and is expected to undergo spinal surgery Wednesday. 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. The National Weather Service says an EF-1 tornado caused that damage , which has left the family to count their blessings, despite extensive damage to their home. 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. Her father, Trey Rackley, a 37-year-old trucking company dispatcher, suffered cuts and bruises and remains sore and sometimes in shock, Hooker said. LOTE EN VA PARQUE SIQUIMAN A 2 CUADRAS DE LAGO SAN ROQUE. Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, died, one of dozens killed in five states. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. The roof is gone from Don Rackley's home, and on Tuesday evening, rain was falling directly into his house. Eighty percent of the children with this disease have to have a liver transplant by the time they are 18. 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. Those included one in far western Joliet and one on the far north side of Naperville. Family and friends set up a donation drive to assist the Rackleys with medical expenses and funds to help them find a new home. Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, died, one of dozens killed in five states. Example video title will go here for this video. According to the NWS, quarter-sized hail is also possible in those areas. Amid Meghan's fight, the family is keeping vigil while they and their community make plans for Annistyn's funeral. 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. More shocking was a trailer which had been parked The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. During surgery for deep lacerations to her abdomen, one of Meghan's lungs collapsed, then the other, and now she's breathing with the aid of a tracheotomy, her aunt says. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. And she said, 'I prayed to Jesus to take care of me. "There are no words. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 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