A family relief fund has been set up by friends of Suzy Juul, whose son, Darren, and granddaughter, Heather, 10, were killed when a tornado struck their home in Woodward, Okla., this past weekend.

Juul’s younger granddaughter, Rosa Marie, 8, suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in a hospital in critical condition, according to David Flaum of Spring Street General Store. Flaum said that his father is a close friend of Juul’s husband, Tork.

More than 120 tornados touched down across five midwest states beginning late Saturday, April 14, and the town of Woodward, population 12,000, was among the hardest hit. The tornados that struck Woodward shortly after midnight reportedly destroyed 13 businesses and 89 homes, including the Juul home.

Notice of the impending disaster was complicated when high winds reportedly knocked out power to the the area’s early warning system shortly before the tornado devastated the town.

According to Flaum, Juul and his daughters escaped out of their house but he and his older daughter were killed moments later by a falling utility pole, which severely injured the younger girl as well.

Donation jars can be found at various Friday Harbor businesses, and a “Relief Fund” account has been set up at the Friday Harbor branch of Whidbey Island Bank; contact Laura Sundstrom, (360) 378-4949.

Contact Flaum, (360) 378-4949 to donate by credit card.

— Scott Rasmussen