May 27, 2008 6:54 pm US/Central
After Tornado, Prindle Family Coping With Loss
HUGO, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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Nathaniel Prindle died following the tornado that ripped through Hugo on Sunday, May 25.
Gerard and Christina Prindle
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Annika Prindle was revived by emergency workers and was in critical but stable condition Monday, May 26.
Gerard and Christina Prindle
A family in Hugo, Minnesota is remembering their loved one who was killed in the tornado Sunday. At the same time, they're praying for other severely hurt loved ones to get better.
2-year-old Nathaniel Prindle was thrown about 70 feet from his home and into a pond nearby. It isn't known whether he was killed instantly, or drowned in the water.
"He said our house was like an accordion closing. Just like that, the whole thing was thrown into the backyard and into the pond, and that's where they found Nate, was in the pond," said Bob Rhea, Nathaniel's grandfather. He was talking about how the childrens' father, Gerard Prindle, described the storm to him.
Nathaniel loved his teddy bear and trains. He liked to say, "choo-choo." His grandparents, Bob and Barbara Rhea, remember how much he smiled and laughed, and they'll miss him dearly.
"Today's 'Tribune' had a picture of Nate on the front page. I couldn't take it. It just sort of overflowed," said Bob.
His granddaughter, 4-year-old Annika Prindle, was also hurt in the tornado. She is recovering at Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul. Tuesday she was in the Intensive Care Unit with a feeding tube in her mouth, but she is making progress.
"The doctors are very encouraging. They're very hopeful, and things are looking better and better" said Barbara Rhea.
The children's mother, Christina, has been walking back and forth between her daughter and husband's rooms to check on them throughout the last few days.
Gerard Prindle is recovering at Region's Hospital in St. Paul. He broke his leg in the tornado but is expected to be OK. He is up and walking after surgery Wednesday. This was the second tornado he's lived through. The first was in Fridley in the mid 1960s.
"When they saw it coming, the father picked him up. They ran to the basement. After the tornado passed the crib was out, way out in the backyard somewhere," said Bob.
Bob and Barbara are thankful to Minnesotans who are supporting their family.
"The willingness of everybody wanting to lend a helping hand is phenomenal," said Bob.
"It's just been unbelievable. We're very, very grateful for prayers and for thoughts and for help of any kind," said Barbara.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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