Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
For Immediate Release: February 11, 2009
Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield
State Senator Johnnie Crutchfield Helping
Coordinate Storm Recovery Efforts;
Official Death Toll at 8, but 30 Unaccounted For
State Sen. Johnnie Crutchfield, D-Ardmore, said
he will do everything he can to coordinate assistance at the state
and federal level after a deadly February storm system left more
than two dozen injured or dead in his district. As of 10 a.m.,
the official death toll stood at 8, but Crutchfield said 30 people
were unaccounted for. Multiple homes and buildings were destroyed
with the community of Lone Grove hardest hit by the deadly storm.
“First of all, our thoughts are prayers go out to those
who have lost family members. This is devastating. I’ve
been in contact with Governor Henry and the emergency management
teams in Carter County,” Crutchfield said. “We’ve
got emergency personnel and volunteers from surrounding counties
assisting and we’re extremely grateful for their help.”
Crutchfield remains in contact with Ed Reed, the Carter County
Emergency Management Director, Billy Christian, the Lone Grove
Fire Chief who is also Incident Commander, as well as Carter County
Commissioner, Dale Ott.
“We know the death toll will likely climb as emergency personnel
continue their work,” Crutchfield said. “I will continue
to coordinate and do everything in my power to facilitate state
and federal assistance to those impacted by Tuesday’s storm.
Again, I want to thank the many volunteers who are helping, and
ask for continued prayers for the victims of this storm.”
