Tragedy Strikes as EF-3 Tornado Claims Seven Lives, Including Children, in Cooke County
Tens of thousands are without power and more than 200 homes and buildings were destroyed or damaged in Cooke County after a devastating EF-3 tornado hit the area on Saturday night.
VALLEY VIEW, Texas — A total of seven individuals, including four children, tragically lost their lives, and over 100 people sustained injuries in the wake of a reported tornado that struck near Valley View in Cooke County. The Cooke County Sheriff confirmed the devastating aftermath of the natural disaster.
During a press conference held on Sunday evening, Governor Greg Abbott, along with Cook County officials and the National Weather Service, revealed that the tornado was classified as at least an EF-2 with wind speeds reaching 135mph. Governor Abbott somberly announced the death toll, which included four children and three adults.
Heartbreaking stories emerged as two young victims, 2-year-old Essence McCrary and her 5-year-old brother Tyrique McCrary, were found in a pond behind a neighbor’s home. Additionally, a family was torn apart as Laura Esparza, the mother of 15-year-old Miranda and 9-year-old Marco, lost her life alongside her children. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to support the surviving family with funeral expenses.
The majority of the fatalities were reported at the FRF Estates, where search-and-rescue operations were underway amid extensive destruction. As of Sunday evening, over 38,000 residents were without electricity, and the storm had left more than 200 properties in ruins or severely damaged.
Sheriff Ray Sappington highlighted the significant assistance received from neighboring agencies in treating the injured individuals. Despite the ongoing efforts, he expressed concerns about the potential discoveries as daylight approached, urging the public to avoid the area to facilitate the search-and-rescue mission.
Looking ahead, Sheriff Sappington acknowledged the long road to recovery for the community, emphasizing the resilience of Texans in rebuilding what was lost. FEMA announced assistance for affected individuals in Collin, Cooke, Denton, and Montague counties, providing a resource for those seeking support during this difficult time.