Baby Oaklynn’s death was one of the heartbreaking stories of the victims which has emerged
(Picture: FAMILY HANDOUT)A two-month-old baby, a nine-year-old girl and a Korean War veteran were among the victims of deadly tornadoes that ripped through through five US states
At least 88 people have now been confirmed dead - including 74 in Kentucky - and more than 100 are unaccounted for as the desperate search was today continuing for survivors.
Among the victims was two-month-old baby girl Oaklynn Koon.
Her parents Douglas Koon and Jackie tried to protect their three children when a tornado struck their home in Dawson Springs, Kentucky on Friday.
They took refuge in the bathroom, strapped the baby in a car seat while their other two children hid in the bath covered in pillows.
However, the entire family was flung out of the house when the twister struck.
The baby suffered head injuries and died yesterday in hospital.
“At least I know who will be watching over you up there for me. My dad. God this doesn’t seem real,” her parents wrote on Facebook.
In southeast Missouri, nine-year-old Annistyn Rackley was among those who died.
Her parents Trey and Meghan Rackley tried to protect her and her two sisters in the bathroom but the tornado caused devastation.
The other family members were injured but survived.
Her aunt Sandra Hooker paid tribute. She said: “I would just gasp because she could do the splits all the time, and she would just laugh. She loved dancing.”.
War veteran Golden Wes Hembrey, 94, died at the care home where he lived in Monette, Arkansas.
About 26,000 people in Kentucky have been left without electricity since the disaster
Kentucky Emergency Management Director Michael Dossett said more than 10,000 homes and businesses were without water.
“If you don’t have power, life is not good, and we’re doing everything we can,” he said.
During a press briefing, Governor Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear were moved to tears by the stories of the victims.
“As Kentuckians, we come together when times are tough. We look out for each other and no matter the challenges we face, we will get through it together,” she said.
“Merry Christmas, Kentucky. Let’s make it special for these kids and families who have been through so much and show them that we’re going to be with them every step of the way.”
