HARVEYVILLE, Kan. (AP) Gov. Sam Brownback has met with the family of a Harveyville man who suffered fatal injuries when a tornado lifted his home off its foundation.
Thursday’s visit came less than a day after 53-year-old Richard Slade was taken off life support and died at a Topeka hospital. The trip to the Wabaunsee County town also gave Brownback a chance to see the damage caused by Tuesday night’s EF2 tornado, which packed winds of between 120 mph and 130 mph.
Brownback said he had high praise for the large number of volunteers who rushed to the town’s aid. He remarked that roofs already were being rebuilt.
While touring the area, Brownback received a call from President Barack Obama. The president also took time to talk to Harveyville’s mayor, Dustin Kuntz.