The Hopkins County Coroner said Monday night his death toll from Friday’s devastating tornado that leveled most of Dawson Springs was 13 individuals.
Earlier Monday, Governor Andy Beshear said there were 17 deaths in Hopkins County, but Coroner Dennis Mayfield confirmed there were 13 deaths in Dawson Springs.
Mayfield confirmed one of the reported dead is Dawson Springs Independent School Board member Jenny Bruce, who worked in the school for over four decades before being elected.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey said the number of missing in Dawson Springs Monday morning was 160. By sunset, it had dropped to 95.
Dawson Springs Mayor Chris Smiley said he toured the damage on the northwest side of the city Monday.
Hopkins County Judge-executive Jack Whitfield said it will take years to rebuild Dawson Springs and weeks just to remove debris from the city. However, he said the outpouring of support from people across the region, state, and nation has been overwhelming at times.
Because of the support that’s poured in, Whitfield is asking for people to pause their donations so they can find suitable room to store them.
Monetary donations can be made at Planters Bank and Independence Bank locations. Just tell them you want to donate to the Dawson Springs relief fund.
President Joe Biden will visit Dawson Springs Wednesday to tour the damage. He will also visit Mayfield and make a stop at Fort Campbell.
