The great aunt of a nine-year-old Missouri girl killed last week in the deadly tornado outbreak across the Midwest shared the moments leading up to the tragedy in an emotional "Fox & Friends" interview Wednesday. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Here's why. 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. Ava Rackley, 7, had huddled in the bathtub with her two sisters, 3-year-old Lonnie, and 9-year-old Annistyn. "There are no words. Hooker prays they'll provide further comfort when they are placed in Annistyn's casket and buried alongside her. 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. Annistyn's father, Trey Rackley, suffered cuts and bruises. "She was the best kid. 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. The bubbly young girl then grew up to become a dancer, a gymnast and compete in team cheerleading. She said she talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. Ms Hooker said that Annistyns family hadnt yet unpacked from their 4 December move from Caruthersville to their new home along Highway J, just west of the city. Gov Mike Parson s office said that about 30,000 Missouri residents initially were without power. The other family members were injured, but survived. Earlier reports showed the strongest parts of the storm likely to be in southern Kankakee county and into Northwest Indiana. The other family members were injured, but survived. 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. Kentucky tornado: Facebook groups race to reunite people with belongings including boats, bills and photos found strewn more than 100 miles away, A woman threw a house party with 65 men she matched with on Tinder and Hinge and connected with the man she's been dating for a year. ", "Annistyn was bubbly," she said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. BRAGGADOCIO, MO. ", "And then as she recovered, she said, 'Am I gonna die?' she says. The family member is grateful for her community's emotional and financial support to date, as they pray the mother and elementary school teacher pulls through. 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. "Maybe she won't be forgotten too quickly," she says. All rights reserved. "Her car was moved probably 30, 40 feet from where it was and turned around. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Seven-year-old Avalinn told doctors she flew around "in the tornado," Hooker said. Legal Statement. 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. I would just gasp because she could do the splits all the time, and she would just laugh, Ms Hooker said. However, wind gusts near 40 miles per hour are likely to make things feel colder. 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 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. Designed by, INVERSORES! All rights reserved. Their house is splintered, she told The Associated Press during a telephone interview. "The child psychologist came into the room and helped her grandmother tell her. Market data provided by Factset. All rights reserved. A candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky, and an Amazon facility in Edwardsville, Illinois, were hit. (Summer Alexander/Meghan Rackley/Courtesy of Sandra Hooker via AP), BIDEN TO TRAVEL TO KENTUCKY TO SURVEY DAMAGE FROM EXTREME WEATHER. 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. A MOM took a heartbreaking final snap of her daughter holding onto her favorite doll to show she was safe before a series of deadly tornadoes hit the Midwest. The body of Annistyn Rackley, nine, was found in a field after the twister devastated her parents' home near Caruthersville, southeast Missouri on Friday. But he and the youngest daughter, 3-year-old Alanna Little Lani are no longer hospitalized. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Another Tornado Warning has been issued for northern Jasper and southeast Porter counties in Indiana. On the right, the Rackley family poses for a picture while on a trip to Sedona, Arizona. "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. Ms 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. EYEWITNESS TO DEADLY KENTUCKY TORNADO DISCUSSES STATE OF COMMUNITY: WE LOST OUR HISTORY. She said she talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. 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. 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. "She loved dancing.". Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, was among dozens of people who died because of the severe storm on Friday. 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. Hooker also said she talked to the girls father. A young girl, pictured in a photo taken during Saturday's severe weather in Missouri, died during the storm, a family member confirmed. (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. Ms Hooker is the sister of Meghan Rackleys grandmother, and she said she and Annistyn, or Anni, grew close over the past four years. "I would just gasp because she could do the splits all the time, and she would just laugh," Hooker said. A miracle recovery: Mother severely hurt in Decembers tornado released from hospital, Police investigating after student brings gun to school, NEA fares well at 5A State Swimming Championships, 2023 2A State Basketball Tournament: Marmaduke girls beat Rison in 1st Round, 2023 2A State Basketball Tournament: Bay boys beat Dierks in 1st Round, 2023 2A State Basketball Tournament: Rector boys beat Acorn in 1st Round, 2023 2A State Basketball Tournament: Earle boys beat Junction City in 1st Round. Mike Parsons office said that about 30,000 Missouri residents initially were without power. As the storm moves to the east, Monday after 12 p.m. is expected to be mainly dry, with a slight chance of isolated showers in some areas through the evening commute. "I was flying around in that tornado," said Avalinn Rackley, 7, whose 9-year-old sister Annistyn was killed near Caruthersville. "I prayed to Jesus to take care of me." 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 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. She said she talked to the girl's mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, was among dozens of people who died because of the severe storm on Friday. Annistyn was a bubbly little girl, her great aunt Sandra Hooker told People . "We've talked about it several times," Hooker says. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Sandra Hooker shares a photo of Annistyn Rackley taken minutes before she was killed in storm. Their house is splintered, she told The Associated Press. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Ms Hooker called Annistyn a special angel, recalling the girl as outgoing and energetic despite a rare liver condition that required regular doctors visits. I would just gasp because she could do the splits all the time, and she would just laugh, Hooker said. 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. 1:41. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Rackleys middle daughter, Ava, was seriously injured in the storm and had to undergo several spinal surgeries. All rights reserved, WATCH: Procession Escorts Body of Fallen Chicago Officer From Hospital, Storm System Could Bring Rain, Snow, and Gusty Winds to Chicago Area Friday, Chicago Police Officer Shot and Killed on Southwest Side, Chicago Police Release Details of What Led to Officer's Fatal Shooting in Gage Park. 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.. The front door was in a tree behind the house. The photo was taken by their mother, Meghan Rackley. But their nine-year-old daughter, Annistyn, did not survive. 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. 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. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 ec Estudio Integral. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Rain and embedded storms will continue, mainly this morning before activity diminishes in the afternoon. She said she talked to the girls mother, Meghan Rackley, on Friday afternoon about the possibility of bad storms. Her husband and three daughters were thrown from the home, killing one of the children. 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. 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. Amid Meghan's fight, the family is keeping vigil while they and their community make plans for Annistyn's funeral. MISSOURI GIRL, PICTURED 15 MINUTES BEFORE TORNADO HIT, FOUND DEAD IN FIELD DOZENS OF YARDS AWAY, 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. 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. "And she did," Hooker tells PEOPLE, "right up till the tornado killed her. Lote en Mirador del Lago:3.654 m2.Excelente vista al Lago, LOTE EN EL CONDADO DE 1430 m2, EN COSQUIN. 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. Annistyn, a third-grader who loved swimming, dancing and cheerleading, died, one of dozens killed in five states. 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. Gov. "And God can give us a miracle with Meghan.". 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. 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. Her father, Trey Rackley, a 37-year-old trucking company dispatcher, suffered cuts and bruises and remains sore and sometimes in shock, Hooker said. Their house is splintered, she told The Associated Press during a telephone interview. Hooker also said she talked to the girl's father. Hooker added that she would often call Annistyn an "angel among us.". This video is A MOM took a heartbreaking final snap of her daughter holding onto her favorite doll to show she was safe before a series of deadly tornadoes hit the Midwest. Hooker called Annistyn Rackley a special angel, recalling the girl as outgoing and energetic despite a rare liver condition that required regular doctors visits. The middle child, Avalinn, or Ava, had broken vertebrae in her back and was expected to undergo surgery Wednesday, Hooker said. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A Missouri family took a direct hit from the tornado on Dec. 10. But he and the youngest daughter, 3-year-old Alanna Little Lani are no longer hospitalized. The other family members were injured, but survived. Hooker also said she talked to the girls father. Mike Parsons office said that about 30,000 Missouri residents initially were without power. And I texted her and said, 'The sirens are going off.' Hooker said it was Annistyns favorite, and she called it Baby MawMaw. Trey and his youngest daughter survived, but the impact left his wife Meghan in a coma in a Missouri hospital, his 7-year-old daughter in a Memphis hospital, and claimed the life of his oldest daughter, Annistyn. 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. 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. After Ava reached a hospital in Memphis, 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 was released morning after the storm. Hooker called Annistyn Rackley a "special angel," recalling the girl as outgoing and energetic despite a rare liver condition that required regular doctors visits. Lani, the youngest, was released from the hospital Sunday, but still with hairline fractures in her vertebrae, Hooker says. Hooker said it was Annistyns favorite, and she called it Baby MawMaw. 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. They brought Baby MawMaw to me, and Im cleaning her up so that Ava can have Baby MawMaw, she said. The Caruthersville community held a service Sunday to honor Annistyn Rackley and keep her family in their thoughts. That tornado just spit me out and threw me in the ground, in the mud.'". 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. RELATED: Florida father & son killed on hunting trip during storms in Tennessee. Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. Market data provided by Factset. Annistyn Rackley, 9, poses for a picture while attending a cheerleading competition in Arizona. Who are the victims of the Kentucky tornadoes devastating the midwest? Gov. Market data provided by Factset. ", "Trey said Lani had gotten out of the tub and he got on top of her, on the floor," adds Hooker. 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 She said, 'I was flying around in that tornado.' We celebrate our miracle, Meghan doing so well, when originally we didnt even know if she would ever wake up, Meghans mother, Pamela Proctor Moore, told KAIT8s Chris Carter. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). "And Meghan was over the tub on the two older girls. Both the strong storms and heavy rain will likely move out by noon Monday, the NBC 5 Storm Team says. The photo was taken by their mother, Meghan Rackley. 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