Kentucky Couple Clings to Life After Tornado Rips Them Apart—Literally

Paul and Gail Cline held each other tightly as a tornado tore through their Kentucky home last Friday. They never let go—even as the storm ripped their arms from their bodies.

Now, the couple in their 60s is fighting to survive in a hospital, their story capturing both the heartbreak and resilience of a community devastated by disaster.

Tornado Tears Through Laurel County

The deadly tornado that struck Laurel County, Kentucky, last Friday destroyed homes and left a trail of destruction in its wake. Across the state, recovery efforts are in full force, with first responders, volunteers, and even local high school students stepping in to help rebuild.

For Paul and Gail, the storm was life-altering.

“I See an Arm Down the Hallway”

As the winds screamed outside, Paul and Gail huddled together in their bedroom. According to their nieces, Taylor Baker and Brandy Bowman, the tornado’s force was so strong it tore off each of their opposite arms while they were still holding each other.

“She said, ‘I need help. I see an arm down the hallway,’” Bowman told Lex18. “It was Gail’s arm, shredded by the storm. Doctors believe the reason they lost opposite arms was because they were holding each other when it hit.”

A neighbor who heard their cries for help ran into the wreckage and pulled them out.

Gail in Critical Condition, Paul in Shock

Paul is showing small signs of recovery, but Gail is in critical condition. WRTV reports she’s on life support and was placed in a medically induced coma. Along with losing her arm, she suffered broken ribs and punctured lungs from flying debris.

Their niece Taylor says Paul, who has dementia, still doesn’t fully understand what happened.

“All I can think about is how terrified they must have been,” she said. “But one thing’s for sure—they’re people of strong faith.”

Generations of Memories Destroyed

The Clines’ home had been in their family for generations. Now, it’s nothing but rubble—shattered glass, splintered wood, and insulation. Strangely, some things survived untouched, like a robe still lying in their bedroom.

“They were in this room when the storm hit,” Bowman said. “The neighbor heard them screaming and ran in to help. He pulled them into the hallway.”

Their Dog Never Left

Amid the chaos, their 12-year-old dog Sadie went missing—only to be found later, still lying in the ruins of their bedroom, waiting for her family to return.

A Family Home, A Lifetime of Love

Taylor and Brandy grew up in that house. “We were babysat here by our grandma. We played in these rooms. We had dinners here. It’s all gone,” they said.

Despite the grief, they’re focused on helping Paul and Gail rebuild. Both of the couple’s vehicles were destroyed, and the road ahead is long.

They’ve started a GoFundMe page to help with medical costs and future housing needs once the Clines are stable enough to leave the hospital.

But one thing is certain, Brandy said: “They held onto each other through the worst of it. They’ll keep holding on.”

At Least 19 Dead Across the State

The tornadoes that hit southeastern Kentucky claimed at least 19 lives in Pulaski and Laurel counties.

“We’ve lost 19 souls—each one a beloved child of God,” said Governor Andy Beshear in a statement. “Please continue praying for them, for the 10 still being treated at UK Hospital, and for all the families affected by this storm.”