Pleasant Grove, a suburb of Birmingham Alabama remains in a state of ruin over two weeks after it was hit by an F-4 ( possibly an F-5) tornado, one of an estimated 300 that struck Alabama and the neighboring states on April 27th , 2011. Rescue crews searched for victims Monday amid the splintered lumber and twisted metal where homes once stood, after the deadliest U.S. tornado in nearly six years ripped through a rural Alabama community. At least 23 people were killed, some of them children. Dozens remained missing in Lee County nearly a day later, according to the sheriff, who said that crews had combed the hardest-hit areas but that the search was far from over. "I'm not going to be surprised if we don't come up with some more deceased. Hopefully we won't," Coroner Bill Harris said. Harris said the dead included almost entire families and at least three children, ages 6, 9 and 10. The National Weather Service said one and possibly two tornadoes struck the area Sunday afternoon, with a powerful EF-4 twister with winds estimated at 170 mph (274 kph) blamed for most of the destruction. The bigger tornado carved a path nearly 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) wide and 24 miles (39 kilometers) long, stretching toward Georgia, said Chris Darden, the agency's chief meteorologist in Birmingham. The killer winds left shredded metal dangling from the trees and obliterated homes, leaving little more than concrete slabs. Darden said the "monster tornado" was the single deadliest twister in the U.S. since May 2013, when an EF-5 killed 24 people in Moore, Oklahoma. "It looks like someone almost just took a giant knife and scraped the ground," Sheriff Jay Jones said. With daybreak, volunteers used chain saws to clear paths for emergency workers, while at the R&D Grocery, people asked each other if they were OK. "I'm still thanking God I'm among the living," said John Jones, who has lived most of his life in Beauregard, an unincorporated community of roughly 10,000 people about 60 miles east of Montgomery near the Georgia state line. President Donald Trump tweeted that he told the Federal Emergency Management Agency to give Alabama "the A Plus treatment." tweet The twister was part of a powerful storm system that slashed its way across the Deep South, spawning numerous tornado warnings in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. "All we could do is just hold on for life and pray," said Jonathan Clardy, who huddled with his family inside their Beauregard trailer as the tornado ripped the roof off. "It's a blessing from God that me and my young'ns are alive." Beauregard, named for a Confederate general, is in a rural corner of the same Alabama county that is home to Auburn University. The community has a few small stores, two schools and a volunteer fire department dotting the main highway that runs through town. The sheriff estimated up to 10,000 people live in the area. "Everybody in Beauregard is a real close-knit family," Clardy said. "Everybody knows everybody around here. Everybody is heartbroken." Julie Morrison and her daughter-in-law picked through the ruins of Morrison's home in Beauregard, looking for keys and a wallet. They managed to salvage her husband's motorcycle boots and a Bible. Morrison said she and her husband took shelter in the bathtub as the twister lifted their house off the ground and swept it into the woods. "We knew we were flying because it picked the house up," Morrison said, figuring that the shower's fiberglass enclosure helped them survive. She said her son-in-law later dug them out. Levi Baker took a chain saw to help clear a path for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. He said he saw dead people and animals and demolished houses, with one home swept off its foundation and left in the middle of a road. Along the hard-hit country road, giant pieces of metal from a farm building dangled from pine branches 20 feet (6 meters) in the air, making loud creaking sounds as the wind blew. For an entire mile down the road, pines were snapped in half. A mobile home crushed by two trees marked the end of the path of destruction. An early March tornado outbreak in the Alabama-Mississippi area is not unusual, tornado experts said. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, posted forecasts for higher possible tornado activity in the region on Thursday, three days before the killer twister struck. University of Georgia meteorology professor Marshall Shepherd said the weather service and its prediction center "were all over it in the days and hours before the storms."<doc-sep>Recovery efforts continue in tornado-ravaged southeast Alabama. Twenty-three people, including three children, died in storms that cut through Lee County on Sunday. Almost 50 more were injured and numerous homes and businesses were reduced to rubble. The National Weather Service in Birmingham confirmed Monday that six tornadoes ripped through the state: Two EF1s in Washington County, an EF1 in Macon County, and EF2 and an EF1 in Barbour County and the storm in Lee County, which has now been given a preliminary rating of EF4. You can read more on the tracks and ongoing assessment here. Stories of those killed in the storm are emerging. Lee County Coroner Bill Harris met with the families of the victims Monday. Of the victims, 22 died at the scene and one died at the hospital, he said. At least three of those victims were children. You can read more about the victims of the storm here. Lee County officials announced Tuesday all victims have been identified. You can read more about the victims here. Here’s the latest on the Alabama tornadoes: Donations reach capacity From the Lee County Sheriff’s Office: “Due to the tremendous love for our community, we have been truly blessed with all the donations people have made. That said, EMA has put a hold on people taking donations to our drop off locations temporarily as we have reached capacity! We thank you all for your love and support and will continue to need it in the coming weeks. If you wish to make a monetary donation you can do so through the Red Cross and specify Lee County in your donation or to help with debris clean up you can call 334-749-8161. For now we are pausing any other donations. Thank you again for all of your support!” Reports of the missing As of noon Monday, there were no additional reports of missing people, according to the Lee County Coroner’s Office, but the number of fatalities could increase as teams reach new areas. 10 Aerial photos of March 2019 tornado damage Schools to remain closed Lee County Schools will remain closed Tuesday. Schools escaped major building damage but a lack of electricity and blocked roadways necessitated the closures, officials said. How to help Anyone who needs assistance or anyone wanting to provide resources can call "211" and provide their information, Lee County EMA said. People should use this number if they need assistance or if they have resources they can provide/donate to help with the disaster relief. You can see more ways to help here. Heroes emerge This young lady epitomizes what it means to be "Beauregard Strong". She lost everything in yesterday's storm, including... Posted by Lee County Sheriff's Office Investigations on Monday, March 4, 2019 State trooper among the injured An Alabama State Trooper is in serious condition after being injured in Sunday’s storms, the Opelika-Auburn News reported. Trooper Sgt. Robert Burroughs of Opelika is at East Alabama Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit. He and his wife, Sandi, also lost their home. Reactions from around the state and country Our thoughts and prayers are with the city of Beauregard and everyone else in Lee County. THIS is the very reason why we do @BoBikesBama. THIS is the very reason why everyone should donate something because you never know when mother nature will visit your town. https://t.co/vRy8HjWWEd — Bo Jackson (@BoJackson) March 4, 2019 Keeping all affected by the tornados in Georgia and Alabama in our prayers.❤️ — Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) March 4, 2019 My prayers are with @GovernorKayIvey and all of the people of Alabama affected by the powerful tornadoes yesterday, especially those who lost loved ones. May you all find peace after this tragedy. — John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) March 4, 2019 Trump pledges support Speaking to the National Association of Attorneys General at the White House Monday, President Trump pledged his continuing support. “Let me begin by saying our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating storms in Alabama, Georgia, and the surrounding states, and especially to the families of those who have tragically lost their lives,” the president said. “I’ve spoken with Governor Ivey, and we're working closely with officials throughout the region to get our communities back on their feet.” President Trump's message to those affected by the tornadoes in the Gulf states: "We grieve by your side and we pledge our unwavering support to help you rebuild from the very depths of this horrible tragedy." pic.twitter.com/s2QEfJhCDe — The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 4, 2019 Disaster assistance Just signed an expedited major disaster declaration request asking @POTUS to approve our need for immediate assistance in Lee County. Earlier today, President Trump pledged his unwavering support for the folks of Alabama & assured me @FEMA will be there to help. @AlabamaEMA pic.twitter.com/IrF9harApY — Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) March 4, 2019 Relief agencies arrive Relief agencies from around the country have arrived in Lee County and the surrounding area. Our team has deployed to #Alabama to help families after #tornadoes leveled entire neighborhoods and left at least 23 dead. https://t.co/NVGSYz9cVw — Samaritan's Purse (@SamaritansPurse) March 4, 2019 Our hearts are with the people of Alabama. We are on the ground, and working closely with local emergency management, to help people impacted by these deadly storms. https://t.co/Ydsmp3eaDS #AlabamaTornado — American Red Cross (@RedCross) March 4, 2019 Verizon is committed to supporting residents & 1st responders following yesterday’s devastating tornadoes impacting Lee County, AL, & surrounding areas. Our Mobile Command Trailer is currently being set up to support the on-the-ground efforts of the Lee County Sherriff’s Office. pic.twitter.com/Mm6fFaRaMj — Kate Jay (@KateHarrisJay) March 4, 2019 Tuscaloosa offers support Lee County Condolences Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lee County community in the wake of the devastating tornado and the coming days ahead as they work towards recovery. Posted by City of Tuscaloosa – Government on Monday, March 4, 2019 Tuscaloosa City Hall added blue lights to its building to show support for Lee County. Tuscaloosa was among the hardest hit areas in the super tornado outbreak of 2011. Auburn football players offer their support<doc-sep>An outpouring of help as a church prepares for evacuees Scores of volunteers converged on Providence Baptist Church in Opelika on Monday and began sorting supplies, which were soon stacked high on folding tables. There were piles of clothes and pyramids of blankets. Beneath one table, a cardboard box held Ziploc bags of essentials: toilet paper, toothpaste, soap and the like. Cases of bottled water lined one wall. “This is how things work in a small community: When help is needed, everyone gets together and gets it done,” said Scarlett Baker, who was serving as the de facto mayor of the relief operation at Providence. By midmorning, her wish list was becoming clearer: Children’s Motrin and Tylenol, so those with mild fevers could avoid crowded hospitals. Baby wipes. Ointments. The church was preparing for a possible influx of evacuees after sundown on Monday. During the day, volunteers said, they expected that many people were out trying to salvage what remained of their homes. Here’s how you can help If you’re outside the affected area, sending money to established charities is the best way to help. The American Red Cross can be reached by phone at (334) 749-9981 or online. The Alabama Governor’s Relief Fund is also accepting donations. The Red Cross is also a good place to start if you’re in the area hit by the tornadoes. The organization is leading the effort to help people find family members, and is working with Providence Baptist Church to establish a shelter. The Church of the Highlands, with locations across the state, is assembling groups of volunteers.<doc-sep>Four children, including a 6-year-old boy ripped from his father's arms, were among the 23 victims of Sunday's deadly tornado that tore through Western Alabama, according to Lee County officials. The names and ages of victims were released at a news conference Tuesday held by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local law enforcement officials. Seven victims are connected to the same family through marriage, officials said. "Just keep those families in your prayers," Lee County Coroner Bill Harris said. "It's a tragic situation." The EF-4 tornado with winds of 170 mph cut through a nearly one-mile-wide path that stretched over at least 24 miles through the small rural town of Beauregard, Alabama, near the border with Georgia. Officials now believe the overall track of tornadoes Sunday extended 70 miles across the two states. Armando 'A.J.' Hernandez, 6 The youngest fatality was 6-year-old Armando "A.J." Hernandez, whose mother Kayla Melton called the "sweetest little boy." Hernandez sang in his first-grade class musical just two days before the tornado. Opelika Fire Chief Byron Prather Jr. said Melton, the boy's mother, rushed to the scene Sunday in distress. “She just said her child was swept from the father’s arms,” Prather said. “A mother’s love for her child. How do you tell a mom that she can’t go look for her child? She went and tried to find her child, like everybody else.” Taylor Thornton, 10 Fourth-grade student Taylor Thornton's death was reported on the Facebook page of Lee-Scott Academy in Auburn, Alabama, a Christian school that she attended. The school said Taylor “was welcomed into the arms of Jesus as the result of the severe weather event in Lee County yesterday." The school held a community-wide prayer Tuesday, and loved ones have created a GoFundMe Page to help cover funeral costs. More than $32,000 has already been raised, surpassing the $15,000 goal. Sheila Creech and Marshall Lynn Grimes, both 59 Sheila Creech and Marshall Lynn Grimes, a recently engaged couple, were camping Sunday when the tornado hit Beauregard. "I guess they maybe didn't hear the sirens, or if they did it was too late for them to get anywhere safe," said Desteni Clifton, Creech's granddaughter. "We were very, very shocked to hear the whole thing happened," Clifton said. Creech, a resident of Panama City, Florida, had survived Hurricane Michael this fall, although the roof of her apartment was ripped off. Creech found refuge in Beauregard, where she rekindled her relationship with Grimes. The two had married young and produced two children , but the relationship later fell apart. Also injured in the tornado was Grimes' 11-year-old daughter, whose legs were broken. Thornton, who died, was part of the camping group as well. Vicki Braswell, 69 Vicki Braswell, 69, was killed when the wall of a mobile home collapsed on her as she and her family sheltered in their mobile home in one of the hardest-hit areas. Braswell, her daughter and granddaughter took shelter beneath a mattress in their double-wide trailer while other family members huddled nearby. “We heard it coming but by the time we knew what it was, it hit us. That’s when all hell broke loose,” said Steve Whatley, Braswell’s son-in-law. “It picked us up and dumped us back down 50 feet away.” Whatley’s wife was still hospitalized Monday with multiple injuries. Family friend Jordan Miller, 17, grabbed a chainsaw and cut the wall apart to free the trapped women. David Wayne Dean, 53 Dean was nicknamed "Roaddog" for his love of Harley Davidson motorcycles. Dean's body was found by his son in a neighbor’s yard after the twister demolished his mobile home. “He was done and gone before we got to him,” said his sobbing widow, Carol Dean, who was at work at Walmart when the storm hit. “My life is gone. He was the reason I lived, the reason that I got up.” Seven victims from same family Three of the victims, Eric Jamal Stenson, 38, Florel Tate Stenson, 63 and Henry Lewis Stenson, 65, were connected by marriage to four other victims: James Henry Tate, 86, Maggie Delight Robinson, 57, Raymond Robinson Jr., 63, and 62-year-old Tresia Robinson. Each were killed when the tornado struck the home they sheltered in. Beauregard tornado victims Armando "A.J." Hernandez, 6 Charlotte Ann Miller, 59 David Dean, 53 Emmanuiel Jones, 53 Eric Jamal Stenson, 38 Felicia Woodall, 22 Florel Tate Stenson, 63 Henry Lewis Stenson, 65 Irma Gomez-Moran, 41 James Henry Tate, 86 Jimmy Lee Jones, 89 Jonathan Marquez Bowen, 9 Maggie Delight Robinson, 57 Mamie Roberts Koon, 68 Marshall Lynn Grimes, 59 Mary Louise Jones, 83 Mykala Waldon, 8 Raymond Robinson Jr., 63 Ryan Pence, 22 Sheila Creech, 59 Taylor Thornton, 10 Tresia Robinson, 62 Vicki Braswell, 69 Contributing: Staff writers Jorge L. Ortiz and Trevor Hughes and The Associated Press Reach Joey Garrison at jgarrison@usatoday.com and on Twitter @joeygarrison.<doc-sep>
BEAUREGARD — Lee County officials on Tuesday morning released the names of 23 people, including four children, who died in Sunday's EF-4 tornado as it ripped through the Beauregard community. The victims ranged in age from a 6-year-old boy to a 89-year-old man. The storm also killed an entire family of three and a family of four. Most of the victims suffered extensive blunt-force trauma, Lee County Coroner Bill Harris said Monday night, and many were sucked out of their homes. About 10,000 people live in the Beauregard community, which is about 60 miles east of Montgomery and has a few small stores, two schools and a volunteer fire department along the main highway. Victims of the tornado were largely identifiable, but at least four were unrecognizable, Harris said. Late Monday evening, though, officials were able to identify the remaining four by showing photographs of distinguishing marks and coming to a consensus between investigators and family members, the coroner said. What we know about the victims Sheila Creech and Marshall Lynn Grimes, both 59 Sheila Creech and Marshall Lynn Grimes' love started young, was tumultuous, resulted in two children and initially ended a great number of years ago. Both went on to build new relationships and have more children, Creech's granddaughter, Desteni Clifton, said. But their love story didn't end then, it was just put on hold. Creech, a Panama City Beach, Florida resident, and Grimes, of Beauregard, rekindled their romance online about two years ago, and decided to jump feet first into another marriage planned for January, Clifton said. Creech, who was forced out of her apartment in Florida while the roof was replaced following Hurricane Michael, had been staying with Grimes on an off. On Sunday, the two were on a camping trip. Taylor Thornton, another victim of the tornado, was included in this group, Clifton said. Both of Grimes' 11-year-old daughter's legs were broken. "I guess they maybe didn't hear the sirens, or if they did it was too late for them to get anywhere safe," Clifton said. "It was a total surprise. She was very young and so was he. We were very very shocked to hear the whole thing happened." More:Woman who survived Hurricane Michael dies in Alabama tornado While arrangements haven't been finalized, Clifton said plans were being made to have Creech buried in LaGrange, Georgia, where she grew up. Clifton said she was unsure if arrangements had been made for Grimes. A.J. Hernandez, 6 The youngest fatality is believed to be 6-year-old Armando "A.J." Hernandez, according to NBC and ABC News. The boy's mother, Kayla Melton, declined to speak to the television network, but she called him the "sweetest little boy" on the caption of a photo of Hernandez that she provided. Taylor Thornton, 10 Fourth-grade student Taylor Thornton's death was reported on the Facebook page of Lee-Scott Academy in Auburn, a Christian school that she attended. The school said Taylor “was welcomed into the arms of Jesus as the result of the severe weather event in Lee County yesterday." The school scheduled a community-wide prayer for Tuesday, and loved ones have created a GoFundMe Page to help cover funeral costs. More than $32,000 has already been raised, surpassing the $15,000 goal. Vicki Braswell, 69 Vicki Braswell, 69, was killed when the wall of a mobile home collapsed on her as she and her family sheltered at 2888 Lee Road, one of the hardest-hit areas. Braswell, her daughter and granddaughter took shelter beneath a mattress in their double-wide mobile home while other family members huddled nearby. “We heard it coming but by the time we knew what it was, it hit us. That’s when all hell broke loose,” said Steve Whatley, Braswell’s son-in-law. “It picked us up and dumped us back down 50 feet away.” Whatley’s wife was still hospitalized Monday with multiple injuries. Family friend Jordan Miller, 17, grabbed a chainsaw and cut the wall apart to free the trapped women. Felicia Woodall and Ryan Pence, both 22 Felicia Woodall was a 2014 graduate of Burkburnett High School in Burkburnett, Texas, according to Vance Morris, the school's principal. Morris, who has only been principal since 2017, did not personally know Woodall, but said "the school's thoughts are with everyone in the community." Woodall, based on her Facebook page and posts by apparent family members, was in a relationship with Ryan Pence, who was also a victim of the tornado.