What Happened When a Tornado Tore Through This Family’s Home

It has been a year since Kuri Bolger lost her mom, husband and two kids in the Winterset tornado that destroyed her parents’ Iowa home. The family of 8, including Kuri’s stepfather and teen brother, took shelter in the pantry of the home, but their efforts to find safety were not enough. Bolger and her surviving son, 9-year-old Brysen, recount the horrifying moment the tornado struck, and share their journey with grief and healing in the aftermath of the natural disaster that will change their lives forever. Inside Edition Digital’s Johanna Li has more.

[@drf8879]

I'm sure it's not without difficulty, but her ability to go on and tell this terrible story speaks volumes to her strength

[@misanthropic_shithead7438]

Or shes a total psychopath and shes actually completely comfortable with the loss of her family. I know that sounds hard to believe bit trust me, people like that exist

[@leaharchambault5796]

A psychopath would try to take advantage of the accident in order to better their circumstances and would continually draw attention to themselves as “the victim”. The fact that she appears to be putting her sons needs ahead of her own and is not benefiting from her tragedy both point to her being a good person. She COULD be a psychopath but the evidence points to a grieving mom doing her best. I’m going to go out on a limb here and ask…do you dislike women and project bad qualities on them based on your bias? Not an accusation, just something to consider. There is litterally ZERO indication she’s a psychopath

[@penelopephelange]

Who cares this is funny 😂😂

[@misanthropic_shithead7438]

@@leaharchambault5796 wtf? I make a completely random assumption about a stranger and because shes a woman and you obviously assume im a Man, you think I wrote this out of spite because I'm some kind of incel? Do you realise how insane that is?

[@misanthropic_shithead7438]

@@leaharchambault5796 I think you making assumptions about me, clearly based off of your own bias', is much more telling about your character than my random statement about the nature of some people, could ever be about mine

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

I can NOT imagine a more sad experience than this! To hear your mom and husband dying!! To lose 2 children! On the SAME DAY!! Dear God in Heaven. Please grant utmost comfort to this dear precious lady!!

[@briinlxigh]

God is good, though tragedies like this happen💔❤️‍🩹

[@saramoyer8999]

My heart just ripped out of my chest😭🤮

[@user-fe7wz2to1u]

This is heartbreaking to lose so many members of your family at once! I cannot imagine how hard it must be to go on with your life carrying so much grief and pain. It is a miracle that her son only had a sprained ankle and I am so glad they have friends and dogs to help them through this.

[@Kodakicyy]

@@Astrossfan Lol 😂

[@penelopephelange]

Who cares this is funny 😂😂

[@kimt1054]

​@@penelopephelangeWhat could have possibly been funny?

[@shisuiuchiha1201]

​@@kimt1054 wind go brrr

[@420Alrighty69]

@@penelopephelange Stop being an edge lord you’re probably 11.

[@daniellehertzog5751]

Kuri is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING WOMAN, AND HER FAMILY WAS TOO! My kids and I knew them personally, they were a very kind, generous, funny, loving family. Please continue to keep them in your prayers

[@FaytheInGod]

What happened to her stepdad? Did he die too? So sorry for her loss and will start praying for her.

[@bree._.]

I sobbed uncontrollably watching this, I can’t even fathom how she and her son feel on a day to day basis. What a good mama, she’s doing amazing and truly living for her son even though she is struggling

[@ashleyd6393]

Just watched before leaving for work, I couldn't imagine what she feels everyday. Broke my heart😥

[@Rando_Commando]

Same here, I think she’s finding the strength for her boy, he deserves it. My heart goes out to her, I don’t think I would want to continue on with my own life after something like this

[@miamijefe7793]

I just have trouble understanding how you can live in Tornado country and not have a simple storm shelter. Just dig a deep hole buy some reinforcment and cinder block.

[@janicesmith2475]

Oh my God this was one of the saddest stories I’ve ever heard. That poor woman! She heard her husband say he was dying, then he did. She knew two of her kids were dead, THEN feels her mother take her last breaths while she was pinned up against her. Lord, be with that woman.

[@AdelineCowgirl]

The description says she also lost her stepfather and teen brother 😢

[@MontysGatorGulf]

@@AdelineCowgirlnowhere does it say that they died too. Still tragic but they lived

[@Alexandra_K_]

I got the most horrible feeling in my stomach as soon as she described hearing her husband crying, knowing he was about to pass… the protector of the family. Their babies were JUST out of reach but there was nothing they could do. The helplessness is just unfathomable… I’m so grateful Brysen survived. They need each other more than I can put into words.

[@ross.2003]

Every house in tornado valley needs to be equipped with a basement. It's sad for these types of tragedies to occur.

[@Efhgi]

Its the same in Australia with bushfires every year so many die with no safe space and is so hard to know when to leave. When that emergency alarm comes on saying its too late to leave get cover you always wonder should i have left will i burn to death then you pray not for life but to just die from the smoke and not the flames.

[@sunstripe85]

Agreed. Or a shelter for each house. Also, apartment complexes and mobile home areas need tornado shelters

[@TUCKERTOBY]

A storm shelter is more reasonable

[@celestiafanforever]

this is coming from someone who has no basement and just a hallway. I can't tell you how many time me and my family all ran into that hallway every single time the sirens off during a tornado warning with the dogs we've had over the years. I wish we had a basement so that we would be safe if one did ever hit our home.

[@MissiPality]

​@@TUCKERTOBYa storm shelter is also much safer. Unfortunately, there have been a few storms that the ones that went to the basement died and the ones not in the basement survived.

[@derpydude2739]

I almost couldn’t listen to certain parts of this. This is among the most heartbreaking things I’ve heard in a long time. My heart goes out to their family. ❤️

[@ashleygray3744]

Same

[@kimberlybettis8509]

I live in Iowa so I know exactly what she was talking about "here in Iowa we have tornadoes all the time...we take cover and nothing becomes of it.." It makes you realize how immune we all have become to hearing the warning sirens, taking cover yet still not expecting anything to come through and not only destroy our home but also take the lives of our loved ones..😢

[@biellaspointofview2054]

I think that’s how majority of people in tornado alleys feel. Many haven’t experienced tornado. We tend to just go outside and see how the weather is and if we’ll see one in person just because it’s fascinating to see one (without getting hurt by it)

[@lakesuperiorgirl17]

Totally understand I live in southern Minnesota I totally agree❤

[@lesliem24]

My heart goes out to her. I will always remember her quote, “with great love comes great grief.” ♥️

[@beckylynn209]

Me too.. That really hit me.. 😞

[@fatimamoseley8779]

It makes me absolutely terrified to have more kids or build more connections because the pain of loss is just too much

[@sapphirerain70]

I believe queen Elizabeth said this ❤

[@eve9287]

My prayers go to this woman shes sk brave to tell the story this is unimaginable

[@rainbowhawk911]

Don’t forget about her son. Can you imagine what it must’ve been like for him to lose his siblings and almost all the grownups in his life like that?

[@eve9287]

@@rainbowhawk911 yessss devastating and his dad sounded like quite the man

[@penelopephelange]

She'll get over it she's not special

[@alisonbiscope2795]

u don’t get over stuff like this…. U just learn to live with it…

[@user-vu9ok3uq5u]

@@penelopephelangedude she lost almost all her family.

[@SomeoneWhoPlaysBeamNG]

i feel like the dads "OMG IM GONNA DIE!!!!" is gonna be with them forever and there never gonna forget it :(

[@baggergurl16]

Yeah if that was my loved ones last words it would definitely haunt me for the rest of my life.

[@laceyschanne]

God bless this poor woman and that little boy. She lost her husband, 2 youngest children and her mother in one day...and he lost his Daddy, 2 younger siblings and his Grandma in one day. That is just heartbreaking. I've lost my mom, and that pain is indescribable...so I can only imagine what this amount of grief would do to someone. That is one strong woman to carry on for her son. God bless them both. May the husband's, Grandma's and the two little ones souls all rest in peace.

[@thegmom7812]

Amen !!! 🙏

[@WhitExNoodlE]

I don’t know how I would be able so survive this… I cannot fathom her loss

[@biellaspointofview2054]

She has her son to live for thankfully

[@SarahSuarse-xq1sz]

I live in tornado alley and I have seen a tornado. It torn my home from the foundation my dad sister and step mom did not make it. So I am so sorry to this family I know what it feels like😔

[@maijacriner-harrison5161]

I'm real sorry for your loss💓

[@sierrakershur3531]

No one deserves to go through something like this but this was a sweet and loving family. I can’t believe such a horrible thing could happen to such good people. Tragic. My heart aches for her.

[@penelopephelange]

Oh cry me a river this is hilarious 😂

[@skyboss8177]

@@penelopephelangeyou’re weird.

[@adamhernandez1591]

I'm with you. But the good die young.

[@sierrakershur3531]

@@penelopephelange That is an asinine and unnecessary comment. Find something better to do with you time because that was just fkin dumb dude.

[@boinsane7362]

@@pinkrizo3815 what did this women do? What did her son do? What did she deserve to lose her house practically everything from her?

[@Jem395]

This is one of the saddest stories I have ever heard. Thank God her son survived. I don't know how she had the strength to go on, but I am in awe that she has. My heart goes out to her and her son.

[@crystalbaker6046]

What an incredibly strong woman.

[@soupiaaa]

awful that a tragedy can happen like this just out of no where the amount of people that don’t get to say bye to their family is terrifying rip to all those who have died because of tornadoes or other disasters

[@penelopephelange]

Oh get over it this is funny af 🤣😂

[@Sadlittlecloud]

@@penelopephelange really needed some attention huh?

[@InkByt3]

@@penelopephelange If you like trolling then good luck for you Waste time if you like!

[@wendy.m7593]

@@penelopephelangeyour name is Penelope dude 😂 no wonder you’re so bitter and mad. Get help soon kid cause you make me gag 🤢

[@terrib627]

@@penelopephelange You're the most epic failure of a troll I've ever seen. Try harder. You'll just fail again though.

[@stephengering1986]

Nothing Can replace What She Had But She Will Always Have The Memory She Will Have

[@andrealey6720]

I’m so happy that she survived and still has one of her children and Bryson still has one of his parents 😢

[@vidhoard]

This is astoundingly sad. I cannot imagine. I'm so happy she is able to continue on and Bryson still has his mom. ❤

[@marygaudet2-7]

😢 She's very strong to not only survive but to be able to talk about what happened. God bless her ❤

[@youmadhuh6375]

This was so hard to watch.. my heart breaks for her.. I can't begin to imagine losing so many love one's in a blink of an eye. let alone losing my husband and babies.. I pray she continues to heal 🙏🏽

[@empath2005]

She's one strong person to speak about her experience and losing her Mother, her two young children and her husband. My heart goes out to her. ❤

[@pamelaeason1982]

That is probably the most tragic story I've heard in a long time... I'll never forget this. What an amazing woman, mother, wife, daughter...if you read this, don't give up dear one 😢many prayers for you both ❤

[@DailyMasculinequotes351]

terable that a human, let alone a mother now a widow to lose her parent and children and husband at the same time is indescribable. We love you Kuri!

[@I_lovekittens]

Please fix your grammar. Sorry, not trying to be rude!

[@euysi3897]

My heart goes out to her so much, hearing her story made me so upset. This is such a devastating lost. I wish her the best, and pray she lives an wonderful life from this point on.

[@nrp5791]

Tornado grazed our home in Arkansas on March 31st. Hid in the middle bathroom with my puppies. Our parrots were in another room. I could hear the house shake and glass break. I started to tear up because it felt like this may be it. I was very very lucky. Came out of the house trees up rooted, and not a single one fell into our home. I could smell gas everywhere outside as a pipe apparently blew from the Torando. I didn't knew exactly how bad it was for others until seeing the damage around the city. 😢 I have a different perspective now when they say there is a storm warning. There could be more than just rain and wind hiding behind those clouds.

[@melissadwiggins]

Prayers for this woman! I can't imagine losing everyone that is important in your life all at once. My heart breaks for her!

[@spaceportTO]

I'm just heartbroken and am at a loss for words. Thanks for having the courage to tell your story and to honour the memory of those you lost. I hope you 2 can find boundless joy and love for life you both deserve.

[@subarulyfe8317]

I know this family and this day was so sad. They lived right down the street from me in their Missouri home.

[@loricassata5259]

What happened to her little brother

[@amberleeannalee1999]

My heart omg. I wish everyone could have a storm shelter in their homes. So scary and devastating

[@penelopephelange]

So funny and entertaining 😍

[@fusemore1059]

@@penelopephelange I’m sure all the men in your neighborhood feel the exact same way about your mother

[@wendy.m7593]

@@penelopephelangeI’m sure that’s what people say when they see your morbidly obese momma walking down the street 😂

[@AngelDustfromhazbin]

​@@penelopephelangedisrespectful

[@melissabranford4552]

this left me crying RIP all of her fam i will be praying

[@brooklynbarbie6855]

I’m wrecked just watching this story, I couldn’t imagine living through it! My heart is very much with her & her son. She’s a mighty strong lady to live through all this and remain so strong through everything she lost. I really hope time mends even part of her heart! Big hugs from me to them!!!

[@Jaz-nm4fw]

Dear God, this poor woman. May she always be protected and surrounded by love and support. This is not a story I will forget

[@diannh2894]

I can't imagine how this changes a person.... And as far as we know, she hasn't turned to drugs, alcohol, or anything destructive. Strong woman right there.

[@Quila1125]

ya she is really strong. I think her son is what is keeping her strong. Its so sad she lost so much . Her song is strong to. to go through what hes been through at his age is indescribable.

[@SanFernandoValleyRose]

This is one of the most heartbreaking videos I have seen on UTUBE and brought me to tears. I feel so bad for her. Life is not fair.

[@just_kimmy270]

Don't worry and don't forget no matter what your husband and your kids will always be by your side no matter what we love you❤

[@missthang4982]

Oh, my heart! What a bloody nightmare. I just died listening to this woman. I can't imagine a pain anymore devastating and far reaching then that, at the loss of one's child. But two? Your husband and mom!? Good gawd!? The strength this woman has had to summon within her? To make it through every minute of the day? Every second? I can't even comprehend it. My love and light to you sweetheart. To your boy. I mean, really? Just nothing but love to you both. I'm so sorry you lost your family in such a horrific way. From one momma to another.. ❤🙏🤜💥🤛🙏 ❤ Big ❤ from, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦✌️

[@megalopolis2015]

Prayers for supernatural comfort through this unimaginable grief. I'm grateful that this woman has her precious son by her side.

[@rusty9295]

Man this woman has such a strong heart. it really makes me feel weak. I've been through a less of a harsh death of my family and it put me in a bad place all my life. I wish i could have the strength to do what she does. Prayers to her family. Stay strong out there!

[@bsmenot7777]

This story could be a lot different if the one child hadn't lived. She had an anchor, (they both did), to carry on.

[@bonneymoseley1159]

So sorry for her loss! When you lose a loved one, you have no choice but to go on. The next day comes even if you don't want it to, and then the next and the next, and you learn to exist. Eventually, you learn how to live without the loved ones you've lost. Days will turn into weeks and weeks into months and months into years. You realize one day it's been 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 years, but yet you hurt that moment as though it just happened yesterday. You can't figure out how you have survived that long without them, but you have, by the grace of God and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, but you have and will survive. May you and your son be showered with love, with grace and comfort, all the days of your precious lives.

[@kathng8354]

My heart hurts so bad . I don’t know what to say. I am keeping your family in my praying every day.. much love . ❤❤❤

[@arcticxabyss]

it sucks that brysen and kuri lost so many of their family members at once. hopefully they're able to heal from this pain that they're in..😢

[@jondorsey1715]

I hope this woman finds peace. Cannot imagine how that would feel.

[@aileenmccarthy8660]

This is gut wrenching 😢....I broke when she said Brysen asked why he couldn’t hear his daddy in the rubble, and seeing him play without his siblings 😭...I couldn’t even survive omg

[@Michelle.Leslie]

I'm so sorry for your loss, may you be comforted in your time of grief. Stay strong Kuri.

[@thealanford4780]

She is so strong. I hope that they can find some peace.

[@SaRaH_EC]

That’s horrible. R.I.P to everyone that died from the tornado. Just remember their in a better place now❤

[@wandanevers9678]

2022...maybe only 2 years ago! My 3 kids lost their dad at ages 6, 5 and 3. It takes years to be able to just get to a place where you dont cry all the time. God bless her and her son. I know the feelin of not being able to teach your kids things only their dad could have. We ended up getting 2 dogs as well to help bring some joy to our lives. It was not easy but somehow God brought us through the years.

[@TiffanyShae]

My heart breaks for this girl.

[@jamecasmith64]

This is absolutely heartwrenching for me I just cant imagine what she's feeling. Laying internet hands over, I pray she's able to heal.

[@hayleymhowson]

I'm sending alot of love to this family this is just devastating ❤

[@CoopDawgPlayz]

I send my blessings to this family 😭🙏

[@zacherobay]

i have no words... i am glad you and your son made it out alive as well as your pets. i am so terribly sorry for your losses and i extend my biggest condolences.. i really hope you two can live as normal lives as you can. stay strong you two. 💛

[@YouWishUNew]

Thank you to everyone who responded that day to help the ones who couldn’t help themselves. We will never forget the Bulger family here in Winterset. 💛

[@sues1618]

My heart was crushed for this family 😢😢😢 Life is so short please always tell your loved ones how very much you love them ❤❤❤

[@ArtistCreek]

This is incredibly sad but I am so glad they have each other.

[@eve9287]

Heartbreaking 😢😢😢😢😢poor kids

[@Kodakicyy]

we do not care 😭

[@ethanspino]

@Kodak icy wow… your so evil

[@haleynunley1053]

My heart goes out to this family, I couldn’t imagine this happening to people I know and love. I am so sorry that they had to experience this. ❤

[@ilapowell9857]

I pay all respects to this family . I feel so bad that you had to go through this

[@garycarpenter2980]

Oh the grief they had to go through I can't imagine it her losing her whole family except for one kid and she has the creamatons.... I feel for them

[@Marsha0364]

Omg...if I could ever reach thru a screen and hug someone I would do it now, I watch a lot of videos on here but none have touched me like this one. God bless this young lady and her son and heartfelt prayers for her lost family members 😢🙏🏼❤️

[@TJ89741]

I can’t even imagine what this woman went through on that awful afternoon. This was so hard to watch my heart breaks for this family. This was the Winterset, IA F4 Tornado it was a violent nasty monster with 170-180 mph winds and they took a direct hit. RIP to the victims.

[@jmh6016]

At least you were all together. They're all still with you now.

[@elinebrock5660]

i can't begin to imagine the grief and torture this lady endures every day. May God envelop her in his loving arms and be her comfort.

[@daffiduck6771]

Love , Peace and Prayers for this family! May God bless her and give her strength 🙏❤️

[@nishacroweagle5275]

my prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones to these tornadoes that's so scary you will never get used to tornadoes

[@Sanity586]

OMG the painting of her family with the angel wings broke my head. As a mother, this hurts my soul to the core.

[@leanneadams2549]

I remember when this happened and sent money to their go fund me. This made me sad for a very long time. I’m so proud of this fierce Mom for keep going for her son that is still here. Never take your family or time for granted!!! I cont to pray for them ❤️

[@cindyvining7866]

I am heartbroken. Glad she still has photos and memories of her family.

[@softestprayers]

That’s so awful, it reminds me to keep my family close and be grateful. Also prioritize safety. I will pray for you ❤️

[@Truckerjohn89]

Omg as a father and human being I feel so bad for this family. This mother has to live with this the rest of her life. Ma'am I am soooo sorry 😢

[@tonycruz6183]

Love how brave she is. Wishing all the best for you and your loving son.

[@beckylynn209]

She is amazing! She is an amazing mother.. Teaching her son how to also be a good parent one day by making him responsible and taking good loving care for his puppies.. She's so strong n I know she will love and be loved again.. God bless her and her son.. ❤️❤️❤️

[@heathtich3]

This story is unbelievable she’s a real strong woman. My heart goes out to you. Your son is here to spend the rest of your life with. The mother is amazing …..truly wow

[@elle9392]

My heart is literally breaking in two for this family. God, please grant them peace, understanding and love overflowing.

[@bunnybangz]

Stories like this really make me question my faith i cannot fathom 😔

[@BlindSin]

You will forever be the strongest & bravest woman I know… 🥹❤️ Your son and angel babies have the strongest mom in the entire world and I hope you can find a little peace in knowing that.

[@reneeritenour4204]

God protected that little boy ❤

[@realPizza_Rat_Productions]

i remember that night of march 5, 2022 its a a terrible experience god bless to everyone affected

[@jayskicksnfits9372]

*affected* ✌🏻

[@realPizza_Rat_Productions]

@@jayskicksnfits9372 thx ✌

[@jonbush1915]

This is absolutely one of the most heart breaking stories I’ve heard. I cannot imagine what she has gone through and the struggle she faces every day.

[@HarperZentner]

It’s so sad to think of how many loved ones she lost and I feel so sad I so sad about the baby he was so young so as his sister!😭

[@BenAck912]

Bless this family. Stay safe. 🙏

[@Survivin2Thrivin]

May God comfort this dear woman.

[@melissamatthews9123]

Loosing family is tough but you will get to see them again

[@Iylab]

I know how it feel I lost my dad mom when I was two

[@SayisiDeneGee]

The resiliency she has.

[@ninbendoyt3203]

You know its serious when its Inside edition but with no music in background

[@christinasornbutnark1208]

My heart aches for her but what an amazing mother❤

[@AshleyMoss88]

This broke my heart such a strong woman omg

[@brirose230]

I have no words. This is so incredibly sad and devastating 😢💔 May God give you and your son the strength to keep going, one day at a time 🙏🏼

[@sandipage1471]

I cannot tell you how very sorry i am ..i simply do not have the words to convey the profound sadness my heart n soul feels for you Kuri and your son Bryson..You have such a beautiful family ..i can tell its foundation was of love and respect ...May God bless you and hold you in His arms forever ..☮️✝️💟😪😪🥺🫣...again im so very sorry ..stay strong Kuri ..many prayers go up today and everyday for you and Bryson..💟💞

[@lolitagrant6751]

God Bless this woman, and the child, who survived! ❤❤❤

[@yeseniacontreras7853]

Sending prayers 🙏 for this beutiful strong mama!

[@jordanhall517]

Wow. I literally have no words. I am so beyond sorry for the many loses you had to endure on a single day. I cried so much watching this so I can't even imagine for a one min. When I saw your baby girl had the same birthday as her daddy I lost it. Still crying actually. My heart breaks for you and your son. I hope you find peace one day. I know that may be a long road to get to but I really hope you can find more joy in the memories and time you had with each and every one of them and find peace in knowing you will one day see them all again with open arms. Sending you nothing but hugs, love and many prayers.

[@gracekober6538]

I am sorry for all what she pass through. I can’t imagine how many nights she spend watching the empty beds and the toys of her gone kids. My heart aches for her and her son. May God give her the strength that she needs.