More than $300,000 raised for the family of a 3-year-old killed in a tornado in Livonia

LIVONIA, Mich. (WXYZ) — Livonia was on a mission Thursday, just one day after the city was hit by an EF1 tornado that left a 3-year-old boy dead and his mother seriously injured.

Neighbors helped each other clear the rubble and put their arms around a grieving family.

Three-year-old Cooper Drake died when a tree fell into his family’s home, trapping him and his mother, Corinne. His sibling, less than two weeks old, was also in the house but survived.

Photo courtesy

As of Thursday evening, two of the family’s online fundraisers (which you can find HERE and HERE) had raised a total of more than $300,000.

The Livonia Kids and Families Foundation and the Livonia Firefighters Union have also pledged $5,000 each toward funeral expenses. The Livonia First Responders Foundation is also accepting donations on behalf of the family.

“The willingness and generosity of the community has been overwhelming,” said Kristen Houchins, communications director for the City of Livonia.

VIDEO: Tornado kills toddler in Livonia, mother seriously injured:

Tornado kills toddler in Livonia, mother in critical condition after tree destroys her home

“This neighborhood is a strong neighborhood,” said neighbor Michael Medlin. “People stick together and help each other.”

Medlin was at home on Wednesday when the tornado swept through his neighborhood, where he has lived for 15 years. He was out riding his bike on Thursday evening.

VIDEO: WXYZ meteorologist Mike Taylor explains tornadoes that aren’t supercells:

WXYZ meteorologist Mike Taylor explains that the tornado in Livonia was a “non-supercell tornado”

“How does it compare to last night?” I asked Livonia resident Michael Medlin.

“Much better,” he replied. “But still the face of destruction.”

WXYZ

“Wind like I’ve never experienced before, rain from the side,” Medline said of the storm. “It was just chaos, major damage.”

While the streets of the district were largely cleared on Thursday, the picture in Rotary Park was somewhat different. Fallen trees and branches were still scattered around the park and two pavilions were a total loss.

WXYZ

“It’s just heartbreaking and devastating,” said longtime Livonia resident Cheryl Gronau, looking at her park where her nieces once played. “It’s destroyed.”

The park also houses the city’s barrier-free playground. Due to the severe damage, the city says it will be a while before the park reopens.

VIDEO: Driving through a Livonia neighborhood after a tornado hit the area on Wednesday:

Driving through the Livonia neighborhood after Wednesday’s tornado

“The playground is for all abilities, so it’s tough for us to have to close it for a while,” Houchins said. “Especially now that the summer season is starting and school is closing at the end of the week.”

Power was restored to many households late Thursday evening.