Update: Will Norton among those killed by Joplin tornado, according to authorities
(CNN) - Missouri authorities have identified additional people killed in last weekend's tornado, bringing the toll of the United States' single deadliest twister ever recorded to 142 deaths, authorities said Saturday.
Among the dead was Will Norton, a recent high school graduate who attracted national attention when he disappeared during the storm.
The 18-year-old was driving home from his graduation Sunday when the tornado destroyed the Hummer H3 he and his father were in.
"Mark (Norton's father) said that he reached over and he grabbed Will with both of his arms ... he held on to him until he possibly couldn't anymore and so he's feeling really bad about that because as a dad you don't want to ever let go of your kids. You want to protect them forever. But at least we know that he did absolutely everything he possibly could," said Tracey Presslor, Norton's aunt, through tears.
Norton's body was found Friday by divers in a pond close to where his vehicle had been.
Related: Family searching for missing teen
Meanwhile, 100 persons remain unaccounted for, the Missouri Department of Public Safety said in a statement Saturday.
Deputy Director Andrea Spillars acknowledged earlier that families are frustrated that the identification process hasn't proceeded quickly enough the past week.
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Filed under: 360° Radar • 360º Follow • Weather |
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Piers you are a refreshing gift to mankind as we need a commond balance in your line of work! Thank you again for doing a great job!
This is so sad, I've kept up with this story since the tornado hit and was hoping for a miracle on finding Will o.kay and at least one possitive piece of news pertaining to this. Also the father Anderson interviewed who was also looking for his son, and later it was also reported he didn't make it either, was heartbreaking...
So very sad to hear the news. Have been watching the story closely,hoping and praying for his family that he would be found. I can only imagine what Wills family is feeling right now. But, now I hope they have some sort of peace.
Devastating for all the families in Jolpin. I pray for all of them every day, and night. I only wish I could do more.
Wow,what a sad experience. Just pray the family have the fortitude to bear the loss
So much for the oversized Hummer.
This is not the single deadliest tornado ever recorded. That record belongs to the Tri-State tornado in 1925.
So sad about Will my thoughts are with EVERYBODY!