Clark Mills Tornado: A Community in Mourning
On June 22, 2025, an EF-1 tornado tore through Clark Mills, New York, cutting a 2.4-mile path with winds
up to 105 mph. Homes were destroyed, trees uprooted, and three lives lost, leaving the small town grieving
Among the victims were six-year-old twin sisters, Emily and Kenni Bisson, who were at home with their mother,
Kayleigh, when the storm hit. Neighbors managed to rescue Kayleigh, but the girls did not survive.
Another resident, Shelly Johnson, also lost her life when her home was struck.
The Bisson family had only recently moved to the neighborhood, making the tragedy especially heartbreaking. At Clinton Elementary,
grief counselors supported classmates and teachers who remembered Emily and Kenni as bright, joyful children who loved dance and sports.
Support for Kayleigh, a single mother, has poured in. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $308,000,
while neighbors and strangers alike have offered comfort, meals, and shared memories of the twins.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across 32 counties as crews worked to clear debris and restore services.
Though recovery will take time, Clark Mills stands united—honoring Emily, Kenni, and Shelly, and finding strength in community resilience.
