A two-month-old girl is the latest death reported in Dawson Springs from Friday night’s tornado with emergency personnel confident they have located just about everyone in the city.
Hopkins County Coroner Dennis Mayfield on Wednesday reported the death of Oaklynn Koon, bringing to 14 the number dead in Dawson Springs from the tornado.
In a social media post hours after the tornado, Douglas and Jackie Coon said all three of their children were injured when the tornado hit their mother’s home. They had reportedly put Oaklynn in a child seat which may have kept her alive at the time. However, the infant succumbed to her injuries at Norton Hospital in Louisville. Another child was discharged from the hospital earlier in the day.
Pictures of the Koon children from their home in Dawson Springs were found in Louisville this week according to a Facebook page that lists items that were found in other locations as a result of the tornado’s winds.
The Koons also mentioned on social media that they and a family member were the victims of theft and looting that occurred in the hours after the tornado.
Hopkins County Sheriff Matt Sanderson confirmed the reports of looting but said a city-wide curfew and assistance from other agencies has helped squash those incidents.
Hopkins County Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey said the number of missing in Dawson Springs was 54 as of Tuesday night. He said dozens of names have been crossed off the missing list after they were found to be with other family members or in shelters.
Bailey said a FEMA urban search and rescue team is paying dividends for the rescuers but not because they are constantly finding people in the ruins.
Dawson Springs Mayor Chris Smiley said he appreciates the outpouring of support and added the city needs volunteers in the coming days to assist with removing debris.
Volunteers should report to 5715 Charleston Road which is just off the I-69 exit across from the Marathon station. Anyone who wants to help with volunteering can also call 270-825-5024 to see what is needed.
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 be in Dawson Springs Wednesday as one of three western Kentucky stops.
