On June 22, 2025, a powerful EF-1 tornado tore through Clark Mills, New York, killing six-year-old twin sisters, Emily and Kenni Bisson. The storm struck around 3:58 a.m., crushing the family’s rental home with a massive maple tree. Their mother, Kayleigh, was trapped inside. “She was yelling, ‘Get my kids out!’” recalled neighbor Jared Bowman.

Rescue teams found the girls under the wreckage and pronounced them dead at the scene. Firefighter Rick Carollo had to climb a tree to pull Kayleigh from a shattered window. “It felt very eerie and bad,” said Bowman.

The loss rocked the local school, where the girls were beloved first graders. “Our hearts are with all the families and loved ones affected,” said Superintendent Christopher Clancy. Counselors were brought in to support grieving students.

A GoFundMe campaign raised over $308,000 for Kayleigh, described as a single mom who “lost everything—children, house, clothing, and memories.” The girls were known for “belly laughs that lasted for days,” and left a joyful mark on everyone who knew them.