At least 24 people have died as a result of a powerful tornado that hit Nashville and surrounding areas early Tuesday morning. Many others are injured, and many are still missing.
Fatalities have been reported in Davidson Couty, where Nashville is located, as well as in Wilson and Benton counties, and Putnam County, east of Nashville, where 18 of the 24 deaths occurred.
The tornado struck Middle Tennessee not long after midnight. Buildings are destroyed across the area, with especially severe damage in East Nashville and nearby Mt. Juliet.
Most of the victims have been publicly identified:
Brandy Barker, 38
Jessica Clark
Amanda Cole, 34
Hattie Collins
Dawson Curtis
Terry Curtis, 54
Michael Dolfini, 36
Donna Eaton, 81
James Eaton, 84
Stephanie Fields
Carl Fraizze, 67
Erin Kimberlin
Joshua Kimberlin
Sawyer Kimberlin
Sue Koehler
Todd Koehler
Patricia Lane, 67
Harlan Marsh
Bridgette McCormick
Leisha Rittenberry, 28
Cathy Selby
Keith Selby
Albree Sexton, 33
Jamie Smith
Nashville’s Mayor John Cooper tweeted, “Nashville is hurting, and our community has been devastated. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones. Be sure to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need, and let’s come together as a community once more. Together, we will get through this and come out stronger.”
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Full coverage with ongoing updates: The Tennessean
