HOWARD COUNTY, AR – After a couple died while shielding their young daughter from the tornado that ripped through Nashville, Arkansas, a company is doing what it can to help.
Jimmy Smith with Tornado Shelter Systems in Austin traveled more than 150 miles to Mineral Springs to give the family who lost so much, some peace of mind.
“It’s going to be so relieving to know that she will be safe,” said David Wester, the child’s grandfather.
Emily Mooneyhan, 1, is the sole survivor after her parents Michael and Melissa Mooneyhan died protecting her from the storm.
Her grandparents, David and Patricia Wester lost their son and daughter-in-law in the storm, but gained a granddaughter.
“Of course I got a blessing, it’s hard, yes real hard,” Patricia Wester said.
“How lucky are we that she survived the storm?” David Wester said.
They say the community is helping the family of three after their loss
“Neighbors and friends and people we don’t even know,” Patricia Wester said.
A family that was brought together through tragedy, but sticking beside one another through love.
“It’s going to be a long process of raising her,” David Wester said.
The tornado shelter is valued at $5,000 and took about four and a half hours to install.