Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy: Mom of Eight Jodie Owens and Daughter Lexi Killed as Community Raises Over $80K

 A devastating tornado that tore through northwest Oklahoma has left a family and community grieving after a mother and her teenage daughter were killed when the storm struck their vehicle. The tragedy unfolded Thursday night near Fairview, where powerful winds and rapidly changing weather conditions turned an ordinary evening into a heartbreaking loss. In the aftermath, a GoFundMe campaign launched to support the surviving family members has raised more than $80,000, reflecting an outpouring of compassion from people across the region and beyond.

Authorities with the Major County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that 47-year-old Jodie Owens and her daughter Lexi were found inside their van after the tornado passed through the area. The storm, part of a severe weather system that produced multiple tornado reports across western Oklahoma, struck quickly and with tremendous force. Emergency responders discovered the vehicle after the storm moved through, but both Jodie and Lexi had already lost their lives.

Family members shared heartbreaking details about the moments leading up to the tragedy. According to relatives who spoke with local media, Jodie Owens had been on the phone with her children during the storm, urging them to take shelter and stay safe. In the chaos and urgency of the rapidly intensifying weather, she was focused on protecting her family. Tragically, the tornado struck the van she and Lexi were in before they could reach safety.

Jodie Owens was known throughout the community as a devoted mother, grandmother, and active supporter of local schools. A substitute teacher by profession, she was deeply involved in the lives of her children and the broader Fairview community. Her sister, Janelle Bagozzi, described her as someone who was always present for others, whether volunteering at school events, supporting her children’s activities, or helping neighbors in need.

Lexi, a seventh-grade student in Fairview, was remembered as a bright and energetic young girl who loved music and played drums in the school band. Friends and classmates recall her enthusiasm and kind spirit, noting how she brought energy and positivity to the people around her. Her sudden passing has left classmates, teachers, and friends struggling to come to terms with the loss of someone so young and full of potential.

To help the family cope with the immense emotional and financial challenges ahead, Bagozzi created a GoFundMe campaign to support Jodie’s husband, David Owens, and the couple’s children. The fundraiser was designed to assist with funeral expenses and provide support for the family as they navigate life after such a devastating tragedy. By early Saturday, the campaign had already raised more than $80,000 from hundreds of donors offering condolences and messages of support.

Severe storms across western Oklahoma that night produced at least four reported tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service. The storms brought destructive winds, heavy rain, and large hail, creating dangerous conditions across several counties. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt expressed condolences to the Owens family and warned residents that additional severe weather threats remained possible as the storm system continued moving through the region.

As the Fairview community mourns, the lives of Jodie and Lexi Owens are being remembered through stories of love, dedication, and family devotion. The support pouring in from neighbors, friends, and strangers highlights the deep impact they had on those around them. While their loss has left an irreplaceable void, the compassion shown in the wake of the tragedy reflects a community determined to stand beside the family as they face an incredibly difficult road ahead.