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. 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. IDEAL OPORTUNIDAD DE INVERSION, CODIGO 4803 OPORTUNIDAD!! However, the entire Chicago area has seen heavy, on-and-off downpours throughout the morning. They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw, she said. She loved dancing.. ", "Trey said Lani had gotten out of the tub and he got on top of her, on the floor," adds Hooker. "Where's their safe place going to be? "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. "They had abrasions and scrapes, bruises, lacerations, little cuts. Trey's Jeep was probably a hundred yards from the house where it had been parked. 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. 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. 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. Another Tornado Warning has been issued for northern Jasper and southeast Porter counties in Indiana. 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. She said she talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. 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. 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 is the sister of Meghan Rackleys grandmother, and she said she and Annistyn, or Anni, grew close over the past four years. 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. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. 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. In this Dec. 10, 2021, 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. Trey and Meghan Rackley and their three daughters sought shelter in a windowless bathroom in their southeast Missouri home as storms raged across the country's midsection. 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. He and the youngest daughter, 3-year-old Alanna, are no longer in the hospital. RELATED: Florida father & son killed on hunting trip during storms in Tennessee. "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. The middle child, Avalinn, or Ava, had broken vertebrae in her back and was expected to undergo surgery Wednesday, Hooker said. "We are believing for a miracle, so we are going to say that we are optimistic that she will pull through. Market data provided by Factset. 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. #inwx https://t.co/OYyRAjX82B. 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. 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. 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. Hooker said it was Annistyns favorite, and she called it Baby MawMaw. Tuesday morning, ABC24 Memphis spoke with the children's father, Trey Rackley. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. 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. The stuff was just strewn everywhere.". 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, Here's why. But she adds that finding those three specific, tangible pieces from the girl's life are a comfort. On the right, the Rackley family poses for a picture while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, was among dozens of people who died because of the severe storm on Friday. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. On Monday night, after family members who picked through the debris of the Rackley home found the torn front page of Annistyn's Bible engraved with her name, along with a doll she especially treasured, a Pemiscot County Sheriff's deputy knocked on Hooker's door. She was the strongest kid. Gov Mike Parson s office said that about 30,000 Missouri residents initially were without power. And we all agreed that they had an interior bathroom with no windows [in the new home]. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Some people are upset at the way iPhones charge. And while the NWS earlier Monday said the threat of severe weather was "diminishing," a a slew of tornado watches and warnings were issued throughout the 10 a.m. hour. (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP), AMAZON WAREHOUSE COLLAPSE IN ILLINOIS: ALL MISSING PEOPLE NOW ACCOUNTED FOR, POLICE SAY. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Trey was flung by the howling winds into the wet mud. Meghan Rackley was hospitalized for several weeks after the Dec. 10 tornado hit her home. "Maybe she won't be forgotten too quickly," she says. 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 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. For more on the devastating tornadoes that occurred and other top stories, listen below to our daily podcast on PEOPLE Every Day. Ms 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. Gov. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. She has several broken vertebrae in her back, and they are going to be putting in some rods and things on Wednesday morning. They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw, she said. Meghan is currently in rehab in Cape Girardeau. Eighty percent of the children with this disease have to have a liver transplant by the time they are 18. 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. Hooker called Annistyn Rackley a special angel, recalling the girl as outgoing and energetic despite a rare liver condition that required regular doctors visits. 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 Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. Then yesterday they took [Lani] up to the PICU and let [Ava] see her. Trey and Meghan Rackley and their three daughters sought shelter in a windowless bathroom in their southeast Missouri home as storms raged Girls high school basketball team forfeits a game because it refused to play against a team with a transgender player, Fox Leaders Wanted to Break From Trump but Struggled to Make It Happen, Not Going to Read That: White House Press Secretary Brushes Off DeSantis Op-Ed, Sunshine returns to SoCal on Thursday but cold temps stick around, AccuWeather: AM showers before a mild afternoon, Texas lawmakers go over school safety report card, Deputies release minute-by-minute timeline of shootings that killed woman, reporter & girl. Le Bonheur Children's Hospital doctors are now treating Annistyn's younger sister, 7-year-old Ava, with surgery scheduled Wednesday to treat broken vertebrae in her back. (Summer Alexander/Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). She said she talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. 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. '", "They knew that this was gonna come," says Hooker. ", "And then as she recovered, she said, 'Am I gonna die?' Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. Gov. Both the strong storms and heavy rain will likely move out by noon Monday, the NBC 5 Storm Team says. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Meghan and Trey had discussed it. All rights reserved (About Us). Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Meghan Rackley was hospitalized for several weeks after the Dec. 10 tornado hit her home. Annistyn's father, Trey Rackley, suffered cuts and bruises. The middle child, Avalinn, or Ava, had broken vertebrae in her back and was expected to undergo surgery Wednesday, Hooker said. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. "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. Their house is splintered, she told The Associated Press during a telephone interview. And that would be the safest place. However, that watch soon turned into a warning across Jasper, Newton, Porter and LaPorte counties. (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP). Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. ", "There's very little left," she explains. A young girl, pictured in a photo taken during Saturday's severe weather in Missouri, died during the storm, a family member confirmed. The tornado picked up the trailer and tossed it into Rackley's house. 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. Girl sheltering with family killed in tornado. Our hearts are shattered over the loss of Annistyn, Proctor Moore said. The front door was in a tree behind the house. "I don't know if I was flying but to me if felt more like I was getting dragged," Rackley said. "Some rain could be heavy at times, and a few storms could be on the strong/severe side during the morning hours," NBC 5 Meteorologist Alicia Roman says. 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. Hooker prays they'll provide further comfort when they are placed in Annistyn's casket and buried alongside her. Ms Hooker is the sister of Meghan Rackleys grandmother, and she said she and Annistyn, or Anni, grew close over the past four years. 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. Amid Meghan's fight, the family is keeping vigil while they and their community make plans for Annistyn's funeral. And she didn't act like she was disabled or handicapped in any way. He wanted to turn over Annistyn's favorite blanket, thick as it was with mud stains after being found in the field. With your steadfast spirit, and the unwavering strength and support of your wonderful family and many friends, your future potential is limitless.. 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. A candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, and an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit. 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. (KAIT) The family of a woman severely hurt when deadly tornadoes hit the town of Braggadocio said the young mother is out of the hospital, describing her recovery as a miracle.. But he and the youngest daughter, 3-year-old Alanna Little Lani are no longer hospitalized. Who are the victims of the Kentucky tornadoes devastating the midwest? ", "That Friday afternoon, everything had been canceled Christmas parties, ball games because we were expecting the bad weather," continues Hooker. "Their house is splintered," she told The Associated Press during a telephone interview. 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. "I would just gasp because she could do the splits all the time, and she would just laugh," Hooker said. She did cartwheels and splits in front of Ms Hooker. Annistyn also attended the same elementary school where her mom and Ms Hooker teach. (Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP), Memphis LGBTQ+ activists protest Gov. Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. Meghan Rackley was hospitalized for several weeks after the Dec. 10 tornado hit her home. However, wind gusts near 40 miles per hour are likely to make things feel colder. 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. As the tornado threw him outside, Rackley said he held on to his youngest daughter - 3-year-old Lani - and braced for impact. 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. 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. Rain and embedded storms will continue, mainly this morning before activity diminishes in the afternoon. 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. 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. 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. "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. If you are interested in helping, CLICK HERE. Hooker reflected on the 9-year-old's perseverance in her young life, following a diagnosis of a rare live disease. 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. This morning before activity diminishes in the hospital your inbox the victims of the children 's father, Rackley! 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