Former Merced County deputy, family suffer major injuries in Texas tornado
A former Merced County Sheriff’s Office deputy and his family are recovering after suffering serious injuries when their home was hit by a tornado in North Texas over the weekend.
Daryl Allen, a former public information officer who spent 17 years with the Sheriff’s Office, moved to North Texas to help his parents, Sheriff Vern Warnke told Fresno-area TV station ABC30.
An EF2 tornado struck the family’s trailer home. According to a GoFundMe fundraiser, Allen, his wife and one of their sons were sheltering in a bathtub with their two dogs when the tornado hit.
All three have major injuries, the GoFundMe says. Daryl Allen suffered a jaw injury and fractured vertebrae in his neck, while Rene Allen’s spine is fractured. Their son has broken ribs.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe had raised $9,795 raised out a goal of $14,000 to help pay for their recovery.
“The tornado destroyed everything they owned, including their cars, camping RV, and all of their belongings,” the GoFundMe says. “Miraculously, they survived, but they are now facing a long and difficult road to recovery.”
At least two people were killed due to the tornadoes in North Texas, according to USA Today.
According to the National Weather Service, an EF2 tornado can see wind gusts up to 135 mph.
