Rebuilding almost one year after deadly tornado

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Nearly a year after a powerful EF-4 tornado tore through neighborhoods in southern Kentucky, killing 18 people and injuring more than 100, residents are still working to rebuild their homes and their lives.

The tornado struck May 16, 2025, carving a path through Sunshine Hills, Meadow Lane and surrounding areas. The storm damaged or destroyed about 1,500 homes and caused an estimated $350 million in damage.

Karenda Vaughn, owner of Finley Trailer Park, said the destruction was difficult to comprehend, even after witnessing its aftermath.

“We saw a lot of the mobile homes picked up and twisted and windows busted out, roofs ripped off,” Vaughn said. “Almost every trailer in the trailer park had some type of damage. There would be sticks sticking in the side.”

For many survivors, the devastation was sudden and life-altering.

William Murphy, a resident of the trailer park, said he realized the severity of the storm after stepping outside the check.

“By the time I closed the door and got inside, all I had time for was lay down on the floor,” Murphy said. “Next thing I know, my trailer was up in the air, slammed on the ground, tore apart. I’m over on almost the next road over, laying in a pile of debris, hanging on.”

Murphy says he went to his brother’s house to rest, and a few hours later went back to find his cell phone.

“I found my cell phone right there and where my cell phone was, was a Bible laying there,” he said. “That was laying right there where I was laying. So immediately I felt like he had his hand on me.”

Nearly a year later, recovery efforts are ongoing. Vaughn said several homes in the trailer park still need significant repairs.

“I think we have about seven that need to be fixed,” she said. “We have some that need to be put back on their foundations, and all the wiring and plumbing underneath needs to be hooked back up.”

Murphy has been living in a camper for almost a year while working to repair his home. He said he hopes to finish soon but faces added pressure as the camper’s owners are ready to take it back.

“Hopefully I’ll be done someday soon,” he said. “Some people from North Carolina were nice enough to let me borrow this, but they’re ready to get it back now. So I’ve got to get done with my house and get out of it.”

As rebuilding continues, community leaders are planning a remembrance event to honor those affected by the storm.

A Day of Remembrance is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, at Wyan-Pine Elementary School on State Road 363, about half a mile from the Sunshine Hills subdivision