Bowling Green mourns Brown family after 7 die in tornado: 'Gone in the blink of an eye'
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WZTV) — Bowling Green Police in Kentucky announced they’ve located the body of a 13-year-old girl who died in the storms, calling it “gut-wrenching.”
Nyssa Brown is one of seven family members who died as a tornado tore through Bowling Green. Nyssa is the final member of the family to be located, and neighbors are absolutely devastated.
“We wish the outcome had been different. It’s not,” says police spokesperson Ronnie Ward.
ALSO READ: 'Gut wrenching, heartbreaking': Body of teen missing from Bowling Green tornado found
Nyssa’s mother, father, grandmother, and three siblings all passed away in the storms.
“They’re very nice people, and it’s a tragedy,” says Timothy and Jennifer Venetta.
Timothy and Jennifer lived on the same street as the Brown family.
“The little girl used to ride her four-wheeler through our backyard,” recalls Timothy.
Nyssa had been the only person missing in Bowling Green before first responders found her near the Moss Creek area.
“I can’t imagine a whole family just being gone in the blink of an eye,” says Jennifer.
Pastor Jacob Holmes runs a distribution center at Centre Point Church with his wife and started a relief fund. He’s helped hundreds of people, including those who lost loved ones.
“It’s just absolutely more heartbreak than you can understand,” says Pastor Holmes.
First responders were hoping to find Nyssa alive, but it brings some a sense of comfort knowing Nyssa is now with her family.
“They finally found her. There’s this sense of relief that’s completely taken over by a sense of intense grief knowing that this is seven members of one family,” says Pastor Holmes.
“I’m glad that they’ve located her and the rest of her family. You know, they can all be together,” says Jennifer.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says more than 70 people have died in Kentucky as recovery efforts continue in the state.
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