Wenatchee, Oklahoma, woman killed by tornado while protecting her children

PRYOR, Oklahoma – A Wenatchee-area woman and her mother-in-law were killed in a tornado in Oklahoma on May 26. Tawna Doran had moved there from Washington just a year and a half ago.

KING 5 spoke via video call with Bob Doran, Tawna’s father. Although he lives in Everett, he was in Oklahoma staying at the Ronald McDonald House near the hospital to help care for his three grandchildren. He said his daughter has always loved her children very much.

“I always liked to say there was nothing my daughter wouldn’t do for her children and she proved that,” Bob Doran said with tears in his eyes. “She and her mother-in-law proved that, they made the ultimate sacrifice. I always knew she would do it, I just wish she didn’t have to.”

Tawna and her mother-in-law, Linda Lee, were killed when a tornado struck their home. Doran said they died trying to protect the children.

Doran said Tawna’s husband tried to open a shelter just outside the door, but was sucked inside and slammed into their Suburban. He has now been released from the hospital, is recovering from his injuries and is taking care of the children.

Doran said Tawna, Linda and their 15-year-old daughter covered the 4- and 6-year-old children to protect them. The children all survived, but Tawna and Linda did not make it.

“They know Grandma and Mom remember what happened,” Doran said.

The house has now been destroyed and lies torn to pieces in the surrounding trees.

“The house was moved about 100 to 150 feet,” Doran said. “It was even lifted up and thrown against a tree.”

The younger children have since been released from the hospital, but Doran said the six-year-old has a broken leg and neck trauma. The 15-year-old has multiple broken bones and will need surgery. Doran said she will remain in the hospital for about two more weeks.

“She has cuts, bruises and contusions all over her butt where she was hiding,” Doran said. “The tornado came and threw everything at her, and she ended up lying on top of her brother and sister.”

Although the road ahead is long and the loss is unimaginable, Doran said his three grandchildren are here today because of selfless love.

“I wanted everyone to know that in my eyes they are all heroes,” Doran said.