Paul and Gail Cline, a couple in their 60s from Laurel County, Kentucky, were severely injured after a tornado tore through their home on May 17, 2025. While holding onto each other during the storm, they lost opposite arms due to the force of the tornado. A neighbor rescued them from the wreckage.
Gail remains on life support with additional injuries to her lungs and ribs, while Paul, who has dementia, is in shock and recovering. Their nieces shared that the couple’s act of holding onto one another likely caused the specific injuries — a heartbreaking but heroic detail.
The tornado destroyed their family home and left their 12-year-old dog, Sadie, waiting faithfully in the ruins. The family has launched a GoFundMe to support the couple’s medical and housing needs.
The storm killed at least 19 people across southeastern Kentucky, prompting calls for prayer and support from Governor Andy Beshear.
