Kentucky Couple Each Lose Arm in EF-4 Tornado

When the EF-4 tornado swept through London, Kentucky, it left behind a trail of devastation that tore up homes, lives, and entire communities. But amid the heartbreak emerged a story that redefined endurance and devotion: a married couple who survived the storm, even as it cost each of them an arm.

Holding on as the Storm Struck

Paul and Gail Cline, both in their 60s, took shelter in their bedroom as the tornado's 170-mph winds roared through Laurel County. As the violent storm bore down, they did what came naturally — they held on to each other.

But in a horrifying twist, the very act of love and protection became the reason for their identical injuries. According to their niece, the force of the wind and flying debris literally tore them apart — each losing an opposite arm because they were holding each other tightly when the tornado hit.

Rescued From the Rubble

Their home was leveled in the storm. Neighbors, rushing to help, heard Gail's desperate cries for help beneath the wreckage. She told one neighbor that she could see an arm in the hallway. It turned out to be her own.

Rescue crews worked quickly to free them from the debris. Paul was found seriously injured and rushed to the hospital. Gail, however, was in critical condition, suffering not only the loss of her arm but also a punctured lung, broken ribs, and a shattered collarbone. She was placed on life support.

A Dog's Loyalty and a Vow Remembered

As if this story didn't already break hearts and inspire in equal measure, their 12-year-old dog, Sadie, somehow survived the storm after fleeing the chaos. The loyal pup was later found in the remains of their home, waiting in the couple's ruined bedroom.

The dog was reunited with Paul at the hospital, helping to soothe his disorientation as he copes with dementia and the trauma of the disaster.

In what can only be described as a moment of spiritual fortitude, Paul whispered their wedding vows to his wife while holding on to what little remained — a bond unshaken by physical loss.

Community Support and a Path Forward

Their nieces, Brandy Bowman and Taylor Baker, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the couple with the overwhelming costs of surgery, prosthetics, recovery, and the complete rebuilding of their life. As of time of writing, over $117,000 has been raised in support of the Clines.

The couple was already carrying heavy emotional weight. Gail's daughter is battling stage 4 cancer, and the tornado has left them with no home, no vehicles, and no possessions. Yet, through every setback, their love story continues to shine as a beacon of hope.

A Love That Survives the Storm

This isn't just a tale of weather-gone-wrong or nature's terrifying power. It's a testament to human endurance, to the fierce power of love and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Paul and Gail Cline's story has resonated far beyond their town, stirring people across the country to open their hearts — and their wallets — to help them recover.

It's the kind of story that reminds us of what really matters. In a world that often feels fractured, the Clines held tight, and even as the storm tore everything else away, their bond endured.

References: Kentucky couple each lose an arm while clinging to each other when devastating 170-mph tornado tears them apart | Kentucky couple loses arms to tornado's fury while clinging to each other: 'Definition of true love'