Community Corner

Son's Heartbreaking Message to Mom As Killer Tornado Approached

15 people died in April 27 storm in Arkansas.

VILONIA, Arkansas – As a massive tornado that was more than half-a-mile wide tore through his town, Jeffrey Hunter knew he might not see his mother again.

KNWA reported that Hunter and his mother, Regina Wood, were exchanging text messages. Wood was 20 miles away in another town while Hunter was hiding in his bathroom.

"He knew how bad it was, he said it's going to be a direct hit," Wood told the TV station.

The tornado would kill 15 people on April 27, with most of the deaths occurring in the Vilonia area. The tornado has been classified an EF-4, meaning it had wind speeds between 166 and 200 mph.

Wood said she tried to comfort her son, texting him that everything would be OK. Her son responded, "Goodbye Mama."

Hunter later was found unconscious and died from his injuries. Hunter lived with his father and step mother, both of whom survived the tornado. KNWA's complete report is attached to this post.


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