This summer has seen a number of disasters already, and on Monday July 26, the deadliest tornado in Montana since 1923 can be added to the list. According to the National Weather Service, an F3 tornado touched down in Sheridan County at approximately 7:15 p.m. (MDT) where it claimed two lives and left one woman in serious condition.
Barbara Smith, 71, was found in the basement of her demolished home with unknown injuries and was taken to a hospital in Billings, Mont. where she is listed as being in serious condition. Sadly, her nephew Steven D. Smith, 46, and grandson Robert Richardson, 10, suffered blunt-force head and chest injuries, and were found dead at the scene. Aside from a few minor injuries sustained by responders, no other injuries attributable to the storm have been reported.
The storm not only left a number of families in shambles, but it also demolished the buildings on the Smith Ranch, including the family's home. EMS and fire agencies from across the area joined family members and neighbors in a hazardous and difficult search operation through the wreckage. Sheridan County Sheriff Pat Ulrickson stated, "I've never seen anything like this before. The destruction is just indescribable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family today."
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