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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Cordova, TN tornado claims its first victim - indirectly

Anyone who witnessed the destruction caused by the EF-1 tornado that hit the Countrywood area of Cordova, TN on Thursday afternoon, July 30, would be surprised to learn the storm caused no injuries or fatalities even though it plowed through a high-traffic commercial area and a large subdivision during rush hour. Unfortunately, one young man paid the ultimate price - an indirect result of the storm as he was cleaning up debris left behind.

Brian Ball, 34, a firefighter with the city of Bartlett and family man with a wife and two young boys (2 and 3 years old) was killed by a falling tree as he worked with a private tree removal service in Countrywood on Monday afternoon, August 3 - his day off from firefighting duties. Brian was also a graduate of Bartlett High School and in the same senior class as this weather forecaster.

I wish to offer my deepest condolences to Brian's wife Pam, his boys, and extended family, as well as to his comrades on the B-shift and all members of the Bartlett Fire Department, upon this tragic loss. I pray that they will find peace in due time and that they all have nothing but fond memories. An article from The Commercial Appeal on Brian's life with respect to his career with the BFD can be found here.

Rest in peace, Brian.

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