Three dead after tornado hits a Pickens County community

PICKENS COUNTY, Al (WCBI) – We now know the names of the three Pickens County tornado victims.

Coroner Chad Harless says 51-year-old Tyrone Spain, 85-year-old Albert Barnett and 75-year-old Susan Barnett died today after a strong and powerful tornado ripped through a Pickens County Community.

The sheriff there calling it a tragic day.

“Houses were missing. People were missing,” said tornado victim Larry Jones.

Jones immediately began to check on his neighbors. Tragically not all of them survived the storm.

“Some were devastated and some were not alive,” said Jones.

Pickens County Sheriff Todd Hall said the homes where the three people lost their lives, were unrecognizable.

“I was out there and I saw the structures and I can’t tell you what kind of structure it started out as. There was one structure completely devastated and the other one, you can’t tell what it started out as,” said Halls.

What were once homes in the small community of Settlement are now rubble. The damage and lives lost Sheriff Halls said will leave a hole in the heart of Pickens County.

“Anytime you have a loss of life, of course, it’s a very devastating thing across our whole community here. And this community here was very vital to Pickens County and it’s going to be a huge loss,” said Halls.

Dozens of volunteers spent Saturday trying to find what could be saved, but the help will be needed in days to come.

“Today everybody’s been reaching out and doing everything they can but tomorrow’s going to be a different day. These people are going to need long term care, long term resources so we’re reaching out to some resources at this time,” said Halls.

Jones is thankful his family is safe, however, it’s a day that now leaves a lasting mark.

“Scared… scared,” said Jones.

Sheriff Hall said they won’t let anyone in the damaged area tonight. There’s also no shelter open. That’s because those who lost their homes all have a place to go.