After a deadly tornado killed 2 people in a small north Alabama town, the community is devastated. During the holiday season, neighbors in Town Creek, Alabama are still cleaning up the damage.
A deadly tornado swept through a quiet street on HWY 265 in Town Creek just over a week ago, killing a husband and wife , Justin and Kiesha Godsey, and hospitalizing their young son, Landen.
Several other neighbors were also hospitalized after the tornado.
Some homes are completely devastated.
Our reporter, Sydney Stallworth, talked to several neighbors who didn’t want to give their names or appear on camera. They say, they never could have expected this. They remember the Godseys, who lost their lives– this Christmas.
One man, whose house lost its roof but is still standing, tells our reporter he was home when the tornado hit and couldn’t believe the roaring noise. He says he expected his own house to be destroyed. But when he came outside after the storm passed, he couldn’t believe the devastation of the homes all around him.
Neighbors also tell our reporter they can’t believe the outpour of support they’ve received. With volunteers from nearby cities and even out of state coming to assist in cleaning up the damage.
People of Town Creek tell our reporter that they are grateful for their police Chief, Jerry Garrett, for having a constant presence after the storm. He organized a lunch for the victims at City Hall. Chief Garrett also created a GoFundMe account for the tornado victims and was even out on Christmas Eve checking on neighbors for the holidays.
According to the GoFundMe page, those injured are still recovering. They are:
Landen Godsey – 8-year-old son of Keisha Cross and Justin “Chase” Godsey who were both killed in the storm. Landen is fighting for his life at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.
Wayne and Rhonda Lovett– A husband and wife who had already lost their home by fire once this year and had just purchased and settled into their new home in September. Wayne recently retired and Rhonda has been a stay-at-home mom and wife. Wayne and Rhonda are fighting for their lives at UAB hospital.
Marcus Johnson– A 40-year old man on disability who has been left with nothing to come home to. Marcus is stable and on a ventilator at Huntsville Hospital.
You can access that account by clicking here to donate to the people of Town Creek.
Even on Christmas Eve, neighbors were just walking over from one house to another and checking to make sure everyone is alright. Police Chief Garrett tells our reporter, they have a long way to go– but they’re leaning on each other to get there.
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