HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — John Luke Racippa was sitting in his car Saturday when the tornado in Hendersonville came over on top of him.
This happened on Main Street, where an EF2 tornado struck and devastated so much in the community. He was filming the tornado, and it was too late to get inside a building. He said he was trying to get inside, but the doors were locked, and he couldn't find his keys
So, he hung on to the doorknob.
"By then, it was there," Racippa said. "It was a loud crashing noise — wind, gravel hitting my face, pieces of debris. I was terrified. I thought I was going to die."
He caught the whole incident on video, where he is screaming for help and banging on the door.
Amazingly, he had not a single scratch from living through the tornado.
That building where he works is still standing, but just right next door, there are local businesses that were leveled.
We know these tornadoes are heartbreaking. Here's how you can help
The loss created by these storms is heartbreaking. Our NewsChannel 5 team wants to help, and we know that you do too.
That is why we are partnering with United Way and Community Foundation to raise money for tornado victims. Through the emergency response fund, you can designate whether you want your money to go to Davidson County or the surrounding counties.
Everything you give will go to help victims of the storm.
NewsChannel 5 is also providing $5,000 in matching money to get donations started in both funds.
