Love, prayers and support to devastated Alabama tornado victims
Our love, prayers and support go out to all the families devastated by the deadly storms that ripped through Alabama’s mid-section last Thursday night.
The storm inflicted heavy damage on Selma, cutting a wide path of destruction through the downtown area. Several people were seriously injured, but no fatalities have been reported.
A deadly tornado ripped through Autauga County killing seven people, including four members of one family. The names were released on Saturday by the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office.
7 Autauga County tornado victims identified after deadly Alabama storms – al.com
The deaths happened in Old Kingston, along Autauga County 140 in the central part of the county. The victims range in ages from 21-70 and include:
- Robert Gardner Jr., 70, and Deanna Marie Corbin, 59, were killed in the 800 block of Sandy Ridge Road. Gardner and Corbin lived in the same residence.
- Christopher Allen Corbin Jr., 46, and Tessa Celeste Desmet, 21, were killed in the 1000 block of Sandy Ridge Road. Corbin Jr. and Desmet lived in the same residence. They are related to Robert Gardner Jr. and Deanna Corbin from the 800 block.
- Carmen Cox Autery, 59, was killed in the 1000 block of Sandy Ridge Road.
- Andrea Sue Taylor, 61, was reported missing Thursday in the 800 block of County Road 140 and was located early Friday morning.
- Solomon Smith, 50, was killed in the 900 block of County Road 140. Smith’s sister, Stephanie Brown, confirmed his death to AL.com on Friday and said her home, also on Autauga County 140, was destroyed. Brown said Smith’s stepson was injured and was being treated at UAB Hospital.
At least 12 people were injured severely enough to be taken to hospitals by emergency responders, Autauga County EMA Director Ernie Baggett said on Friday. Names and conditions of those injured have not been released.
Read all of Mary Colurso’s report here
Keep bringing the love and prayers. It’s all good. Here are other ways you can help:
Alabama tornado victims: How to help – al.com
How you can help
There are a number of ways to help the Alabama tornado victims. Before making a donation, check out this guidance from the Better Business Bureau on the best ways to safely give after a disaster.
Black Belt Community Foundation
Black Belt Community Foundation collecting monetary donations to assist storm victims. You can donate here.
Central Alabama Community Foundation
The Central Alabama Community Foundation has been set up to assist those impacted by the recent storms and tornado. Funds can be donated here.
Red Cross
Local Red Cross disaster responders are working with local officials to identify community needs in the areas hardest hit by the tornadoes, including opening a shelter in Selma. Those who have been directly impacted by the storms and are in need of assistance should call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org/gethelp
To reach out for free 24/7 counseling or support, contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs’ to 66746.
Red Cross is seeking cash donations to help with recovery efforts. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation donate online at www.redcross.org. Individuals can also sign up to become a volunteer.
United Way of Central Alabama
United Way of Central Alabama, in partnership with United Way of Selma in Dallas County, has launched a donation site that will serve tornado victims. To donate to disaster relief efforts, visit www.uwca.org/Selma Selma Tornado Relief – United Way of Central Alabama (uwca.org) or text SELMA to 62644.
READ MORE:
Alabama teen home alone rides out deadly storm in underground shelter: ‘Everything was gone’
Map: Where did the tornadoes hit in Alabama?
Alabama tornado victims: How to help
At least 7 now dead in Autauga County after storms, tornado strike Alabama
Days after a deadly tornado, Autauga County will have a new sheriff
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JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group and AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix.