Victims identified in deadly Autauga County tornado

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A devastating tornado hit Autauga County Thursday, killing seven people.

The names of the victims were released Saturday by the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office. The deaths occurred in one of Autauga County’s hardest hit communities called Old Kingston.

Robert Gardner Jr., 70, and Deanna Marie Corbin, 59, were killed in the 800 block of Sandy Ridge Road. Gardner and Corbin lived in the same apartment. Christopher Allen Corbin Jr., 46. and Tessa Celeste Desmet, 21, were killed in the 1000 block of Sandy Ridge Road. Corbin Jr. and Desmet lived in the same residence and are related to Gardner and Corbin from the 800 block. Carmen Cox Autery, 59, was also killed in the 1000 block of Sandy Ridge Road, but was not related to any of the other deaths in road. Andrea Sue Taylor, 61, was reported missing Thursday in the 800 block of County Road 140 and was located early Friday morning. Solomon Antonio Smith, 50, was killed in the 900 block of County Road 140.

Cleanup efforts are still ongoing throughout Autauga County. Power crews from Alabama Power and Central Alabama Electric Corporation are restoring power and replacing damaged power poles and transformers.

Preliminary reports from the National Weather Service indicate the tornado is at least an EF-3 with winds up to 150 mph. Storm surveys are ongoing. Hundreds of homes in the Old Kingston, Posey’s Crossroads, White City and Marbury areas were damaged or destroyed.

Shelter available

Whitewater Camp is opening its doors to anyone affected by the tornado. Officials said their facility has 52 beds available and they will provide showers, food and clothing to those who need them.

The camp is located at 2274 Highway 82 West in Prattville. Anyone with questions should contact Voan Carroll at 334-717-0806.

Autauga County Disaster Relief Fund

The Central Alabama Community Foundation has established the Autauga County Disaster Relief Fund. This fund was created to help citizens affected by the storms. The funds will be used to support both the immediate and long-term needs of citizens in Autauga County.

In addition to monetary contributions, the City of Prattville will provide a disaster relief drop-off location at City Hall located at 101 W Main Street beginning at noon today until further notice.

The following items can be dropped off at the front entrance of City Hall.

Water/Beverages Paper products (paper plates or bowls, paper towels, toilet paper) Disposable containers Garbage bags Diapers (all sizes) Tissues Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush ) New in package for all ages and underwear) New blankets Work gloves

To donate, you can send a check payable to CACF, 114 Church Street, Montgomery, AL. or click here.

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