The city of Clarksville, Tennessee, took a direct hit from an EF-3 tornado on Dec. 9, 2023. The tornado was up to 600 feet wide and traveled 11.33 miles through the city. In just 15 minutes’ time, the tornado killed 6 people including 2 children and injured dozens more, many of whom are in critical condition.
The deceased are:
- Joseph Dalton, 37
- Floridema Gabriel Perez, 31
- Anthony Elmer Mendez, 2
- Arlan Coty, 10
- Stephen Kwaah Hayes, 34
- Donna Allen, 59
Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency officials said 243 “residential sites” were destroyed. Another 1,711 had damage. EMA noted that a “residential site” could be an individual home or a housing unit, such as a duplex or apartments.
In all, 1,974 residential sites, 58 commercial sites and 3 public facilities were hit by the tornado, the EMA said.
Clarksville is the hometown of Indiana Lyons guard Eric Messer. He wears #2 for the team.
The Clarksville Phoenix are playing against the Indiana Lyons at George Washington High School, 2215 W. Washington Street in Indianapolis, on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. ET. Doors open at 4 p.m. ET.
The Phoenix are collecting donations to try to bring some semblance of Christmas to displaced children in their community while their families figure out what to do next after this devastating event. They will use the gift cards to purchase Christmas gifts for affected children. The Indiana Lyons want to help.
Any individual, family, or group who brings a gift card of any amount to Wal-Mart, Target, or any other appropriate national chain that has locations in Clarksville, Tennessee, will be admitted to the game for free. The Lyons will then present the donated gift cards to the owner of the Clarksville Phoenix during the game, so she can take them back to her community and do some good with them ahead of Christmas.
If you cannot be at the game but would like to donate a gift card, there are two options:
- Email clarksvillephoenix@gmail.com or DM them on social media for a mailing address.
- Drop them off at Hendricks County Parks & Recreation’s main office, 955 E. Main Street in Danville, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Dec. 13, 14, or 15. If you need a little extra time after 4 p.m. to get to the office, please email ericivie@indianalyons.com to make arrangements.
While the Indiana Lyons and Clarksville Phoenix are opponents on the basketball court, both teams are in the same basketball family, region, and division. As Hoosiers, we are unfortunately quite familiar with the devastation of tornados. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Clarksville, Tennessee, and we pray that this act in support of the Clarksville Phoenix gives displaced Clarksville children some hope on Christmas during dark times.
