NewsNation

‘Never going to be the same’: Woman rebuilds after deadly tornado

MAURY COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A woman has a place to call home again after the community stepped up to help her rebuild following a powerful EF-3 tornado that barreled through Maury County.

The storm destroyed Brianne Lovett’s home. Brianne said that she is still sorting through the rubble months after the tornado swept through.


“One minute, you’re standing on your back porch, and the next minute, you’re trying to find everything that belongs to you,” Brianne told NewsNation affiliate WKRN.

Her mother, Cheryl Lovett, was killed in the storm.

“I look up there all the time wishing I could see her, but she’s not there,” Brianne said. “The house is not there. It’s never going to be the same.”

Brianne recalled hiding in the closet that afternoon, then seeing the destruction.

“I noticed my mom’s house gone and all I wanted to do was run up the hill, but all I seen was downed power lines and knew that I couldn’t. I wasn’t good to nobody if I was electrocuted.”

By all accounts, Spring Hill is a tight knit community. Brianne added that her boss at Dickerson Landscapers Depot, and several other local businesses, helped her rebuild a home on the same property. Brianne said that she’s so thankful for the support.

“On the days we was out here working, people would stop and drop off gift cards for us to eat,” Brianne said. “They’d bring us food. Everybody’s been amazing — absolutely amazing.”

Brianne said that she walks to the site where her mom used to live everyday, finding little items belonging to her mom to bring her comfort.

“My mom’s jewelry, all of her little knickknacks that she had, that’s the main thing I’m looking for. Still can’t find my dresser, my bed, none of that, but I will.”

Cheryl’s sister was hurt in the tornado, too. As of publication, she’s living with Brianne.