When a series of storms and tornadoes blasted through the tri-state area on April 27, 76 people lost their lives during the storm or in the days after due to storm-related events. Three students from Northeast Alabama died in Tuscaloosa, bringing the total deaths to 79 for Southeast Tennessee, Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia. Here is a brief glimpse of who those people were, provided by the families and friends who continue to grieve their loss two months after they died.
CATOOSA COUNTY
Christopher Dewayne Black, 47, died in the tornado along with his wife, Pamela, son, Cody, and daughter, Chelsea. He worked at Hicks Tufting.
Pamela Lynn Hargis Black, 46, was a mail carrier in Ringgold for 10 years.
Cody Dewayne Black, 21, recently had moved back home with his family. He worked as a customer service representative at T-Mobile.
Chelsea Miranda Black, 16, was texting a friend when the storm hit their Ringgold home. She was a junior at Ringgold High School, a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and attended Welcome Hill Baptist Church.