VALLEY VIEW, Texas - In the wake of last month's catastrophic EF-3 tornado, the Watson family of Valley View is navigating a harrowing path to recovery. The devastating storm, which struck Cooke County, left behind a trail of destruction and heartbreak.
Tragically, Wayne Watson lost his life during the tornado's rampage through their mobile home. His two sons, Keith (29) and Kevin (23), sustained severe injuries amidst the chaos.
"Keith said they got an alert on the TV about the tornado warning, followed by another on their phone. Within a minute, the house was being hurled through the air," recounted Christine Watson, the boys' mother, to Fox 4 News.
Their home landed 50 yards away, trapping Wayne, Keith, and Kevin beneath the wreckage. Rescue teams found Keith and Kevin alive and rushed them to a nearby hospital. Christine remains resilient, but the loss of her husband and the condition of her sons weigh heavily on her heart.
Kevin is in critical condition, battling a broken neck and internal bleeding. He lies in a medically induced coma, having undergone six surgeries, with more anticipated. Keith, though less severely injured, requires a walker and faces a long road of physical therapy.
"After seeing the destruction at the property, the fact that either of my sons are alive is truly a miracle," Christine expressed with gratitude. "And I’m so very grateful."
Detailing her late husband, she added, "He worked very hard. He was a very dedicated, loving, and very good father."
Despite the overwhelming grief, the Watsons draw strength from the community's outpouring of support. "Every little bit is truly a blessing," Christine said. "It’s the generosity of people that is literally seeing us through right now."
The tornado that ravaged the Watson home on May 25 has since been categorized as an EF-3, with winds reaching speeds that can tear homes from foundations. The storm that night resulted in seven fatalities and over 100 injuries across North Texas, according to the National Weather Service.
The Watson family's story underscores the unpredictability of natural disasters and the vital role of community support in the aftermath. As the family continues to heal, both physically and emotionally, their journey serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and the strength found in unity.
