News Summary
A devastating storm swept through St. Louis, claiming the lives of five individuals, including a beloved grandmother. The community mourns as families grapple with the loss of their loved ones. In the aftermath, local organizations rally to support those affected, showcasing the resilience and unity of the St. Louis community in the face of tragedy. Fundraising efforts are underway to assist with funeral costs and recovery resources amid the widespread destruction caused by the storm.
Tragic Storm Claims Five Lives in St. Louis, Families in Mourning
A devastating storm swept through St. Louis on Friday, leaving five families heartbroken and searching for answers as they mourn their loved ones. Among the victims was Delois Holmes, a beloved 70-year-old who was cherished by many. Delois was not only a mother of five boys but also a grandmother of nine and a great-grandmother. Her family, known for their weekly Sunday gatherings at her home on Cote Brilliante Ave, now find themselves grappling with an unimaginable loss.
As the storm raged outside, it is believed Delois was taking shelter in her basement when tragedy struck. Her family discovered her next to the basement steps, trapped after debris blocked their access for hours until emergency services could arrive. Now, they face the overwhelming challenge of cleaning up their home while keeping Delois’s spirit alive. In honor of her memory, they plan to create something lasting that reflects her love and her legacy.
Five Lives Lost
The harsh reality of the storm revealed itself as it left a wide path of destruction, with an EF3 tornado causing chaos across a 20-mile stretch of the area. In addition to Delois, four other lives were tragically cut short. Juan Baltazar, a 48-year-old father, succumbed when a tree fell on his truck just moments after he left work near Carondelet Park. Known for his popular food truck, El Mandilón, Juan was a proud supporter of the St. Louis Latino community and leaves behind seven children—three in the U.S. and four back in Mexico. His family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs.
Another victim, Rena Lyles, met a tragic fate when her home collapsed while she was trying to shield her five daughters from the storm. Rena had been married for 25 years, and her husband Allan, although injured, survived the ordeal.
Meanwhile, Patricia Ann Penelton, at the age of 78, lost her life when the church she volunteered at, Centennial Christian Church, collapsed. Her compassion was felt throughout the community, and her loss is deeply felt.
Finally, Larry Patrick was found deceased in his home, unable to be reached initially by firefighters. He had been bravely battling cancer.
Community Response
In the wake of this tragedy, the response from the community has been nothing short of inspiring. The American Red Cross has opened several emergency shelters across St. Louis and the surrounding areas, ready to provide refuge for those impacted by the storm. Local organizations such as the Urban League and the Salvation Army are stepping up, mobilizing support and resources for those who are hurting and displaced.
In addition to the immediate assistance being provided, several GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to raise funds for funeral expenses and support for the families of the victims. The community is coming together in impressive ways, offering not just financial help, but also essential resources such as food, mental health support, and guidance for storm recovery.
Coming Together
As families come together in grief, the strength of the community shines through. The loss of five lives has turned into a rallying point for St. Louis residents, with many stepping in to lend a helping hand and show kindness in the face of tragedy. This storm may have brought devastation, but it has also illuminated the heart of a community that refuses to let grief overshadow love and support.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KSDK: St. Louis Tornado Victims Killed Identified
- St. Louis Magazine: Ways to Help Tornado Victims
- Spectrum News: How to Help STL Storm Victims
- First Alert 4: Resources and Shelter Locations
- News Nation: Recovery Efforts in St. Louis
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- Google Search: St. Louis tornado resources
- Google Scholar: Tornado disaster response
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- Google News: St. Louis tornado victims
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
