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.”