In a heartbreaking incident in Upstate New York, two twin girls, Emily and Kenni Bisson, aged six, lost their lives when a severe storm prompted by 95 mph winds led to a tree crashing into their home. The tragic event occurred around 4 a.m. when an EF-1 tornado uprooted a massive maple tree, sending it crashing through the roof of their residence in Clark Mills. The violent force of the falling tree penetrated the second story of the home, directly impacting the first floor where the twins and their mother, Kayleigh Bisson, were sleeping. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the details of this horrific event.
Neighbors reported horrifying scenes as they heard the mother’s screams after the accident. Jared Bowman was one of the first responders on the scene. He had been awakened by the noise and rushed to help, seeing Kayleigh attempting to escape through a window. Another neighbor, Rick Carollo, who is also a member of the local fire department, described the sudden jolt from the noise. After being alerted by a message about the emergency, he found Kayleigh trapped and hurried to assist her. The urgent atmosphere was punctuated by Kayleigh’s frantic calls for her daughters, who were still inside, adding to the grim nature of the scene.
As rescuers worked through the wreckage, Carollo found one of the twins but was heartbroken to discover she had no pulse. First responders subsequently located both girls inside the debris and sadly pronounced them dead at the scene. Emily and Kenni had only been living in the home for a few months and were beloved members of their community, known for their infectious laughter and bright smiles. Their tragic loss sent shockwaves through the local area, which relied on the close-knit fabric of its residents.
The community expressed their sorrow through messages of support, including a statement from Christopher Clancy, the superintendent of Clinton Elementary School. He acknowledged the tragic loss of two of his students and emphasized the support systems being activated for the families and classmates affected by this incident. The girls were well-liked for their vibrant personalities and were active participants in community activities, such as sports and the arts. A GoFundMe was launched to assist their mother with funeral expenses, highlighting the twins’ impact on those around them.
On the same day, another casualty related to the storm occurred, as 50-year-old Shelly Johnson also lost her life when a tree fell onto her home. These incidents underscored the severe nature of the storm that swept through the area, prompting Governor Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency in 32 counties due to the extensive damage and ongoing weather concerns. The storm’s ferocity left many residents in shock, grappling with the loss of life and destruction.
In light of the devastation, the National Weather Service is deploying personnel to assess the storm damage in Clark Mills. The tragic events serve as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and often hazardous nature of severe weather phenomena, affecting lives in profound ways. The community now faces the daunting task of healing and coming together to support the families affected by this tragedy.
