LIVONIA, Mich. — A tornado in Livonia downed a tree which killed a toddler and severely injured his mother on Wednesday.
Chris and Corinne Drake's son was killed after a large tree crashed through the roof of their home. The tree landed on a bed where Corinne and her son were sleeping. Officials said that crews needed to work for at least an hour to get the victims out.
A 2-week-old sibling who was in a crib in a separate room was not injured but taken to a hospital for an evaluation, Livonia Fire Department Chief Robert Johnson told WDIV-TV.
Now, the community is rallying to support the family as they mourn the loss of their 2-year-old and the mother works to recover.
A coworker of Corrinne set up a GoFundMe to support the family and in less than 10 hours, the campaign has raised nearly $200,000 in donations.
The National Weather Service (NWS) did not notify the city of Livonia to activate its sirens, officials said. The city only activates its warning sirens if notified to do so from the NWS.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.