Tornado Tragedy Strikes Wilson County
A devastating tornado swept through Wilson County early Thursday morning, resulting in the death of a 60-year-old man, Bryan Barnes, whose home collapsed during the storm. The tornado, which was reported at 2:51 a.m. in Lucama, caused extensive damage to multiple residences, a nearby middle school, and a historic church.
Details of the Incident
Family members described the heartbreaking moment when Bryan was found unresponsive in his collapsed two-story home on Lloyd Road. Norman Toler, a neighbor who witnessed the tornado, described the terrifying scene: “I looked out the back door and started praying. I saw all the debris flying, and I said, ‘Please don’t take it.’ It was a moment of sheer panic.”
Community Response
As first responders began their search, neighbors quickly organized to check surrounding areas, initially looking in the fields nearby. Tragically, it was in the wreckage of Barnes’ bedroom that they found him. “I miss Bryan; he was a very good man,” Toler shared, highlighting the community’s grief.
Infrastructure Damage
The tornado’s impact was widespread, ripping roofs off the Springfield Middle School and damaging at least 10 homes in the vicinity. The school, established in 2000, suffered extensive damage to its sixth- and seventh-grade hallways, yet fortunately, no students were present at the time.
Wilson County Schools’ Superintendent, Dr. Lane Mills, expressed deep concern for the community, stating, “This situation will be ongoing, and we don’t yet know the full extent of the damage.” Governor Roy Cooper also visited the school, expressing relief that no lives were lost in the building.
A Historic Church’s Loss
The tornado also decimated the Friendship Primitive Baptist Church, which has been a community cornerstone for over a century. Pastor Tim Woodard commented on the devastating blow, stating, “This building has been a blessing for more than 100 years. It’s heartbreaking to see it in this condition.”
Previous Tornado Fatalities in NC
The incident marks the first tornado-related death in North Carolina since April 2011, highlighting the sporadic yet devastating impact tornadoes can have in the region.
Effects Spread Beyond Wilson County
In addition to Wilson County, the National Weather Service confirmed that Franklin County experienced a separate tornado that caused significant tree damage and power outages, although thankfully, no injuries were reported in that area.
