AL HJR248

An EF5 tornado struck the Oak Grove community in Franklin County, Alabama on April 27, 2011, reaching peak intensity with winds exceeding 210 miles per hour and a path over 1.25 miles wide.

The tornado was one of the most destructive in United States history and the worst natural disaster to hit Alabama, with Oak Grove losing five residents: Charlene D. Crochet (born April 7, 1970), Kelli Thorn Morgan (born September 17, 1986), Michael A. Morgan (born December 19, 1978), Donald Roy Heaps (born September 14, 1961), and Jefrey D. Cothan (born August 31, 1975).

A monument was dedicated on April 22, 2012, near the intersection of Franklin County Crossroads 38 and 81 to honor the deceased and tribute survivors and those who assisted with relief and rebuilding efforts.

The legislature memorializes the lives lost and directs that copies of this resolution be provided to each victim's family to convey heartfelt condolences.

House adopted the resolution on March 8, 2012, and the Senate adopted it on March 20, 2012.