Sand Springs Man Killed In EF-2 Tornado, Father Survives

The fatality victim of Wednesday's tornado has been identified Arian Christopher Lakey, who lived in the Sand Springs mobile home with his father.

Friday, March 27th 2015, 1:02 pm

By: Emory Bryan

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Sand Springs Man Killed In EF-2 Tornado, Father Survives

The identity of the man killed in the EF-2 tornado that ripped through a Sand Springs mobile home park has been released.

He was 41-year-old Arian Christopher Lakey, who lived with his father in the River Oaks mobile home park. Neighbors say he was racing to save his father when the storm struck.

The home was obliterated - and Lakey was buried in the debris.

His father was trapped under a propane tank, which deputies rolled off of him.

Major Tom Huckeby of the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office says Arian was calling out for help when they arrived. That directed rescuers to his father, who had celebrated his 71st birthday that same day.

"He was calling for help," Huckeby said. "His father was the recipient of the calls, because the son died from injuries from the tornado."

The elder Lackey was rescued, taken to a hospital and remains in critical condition."

The focus is on cleanup and recovery at the mobile home park. Dozens of volunteers, from groups near and far, are helping clear trees and sort through scattered belongings.

3/26/2015 Related Story: Tour of Sand Springs Mobile Home Park Shows Massive Tornado Damage

"It's a disaster to them and we love on them, and they need help as much as anyone else and that's why we do this, big or small," said Jeff Harris of Baptist Disaster Relief.

Just next door Judy Umholtz is digging through what's left of her house - looking for a wallet and anything else of value.

She was pushed out of her door by a fish tank - and just after the storm - found her husband out in the street - and both were able to walk out, almost unhurt.

"I just don't know how I got out, to tell you the truth - it's just pushed me. I was trying to hold the door when the wind came up," she said.

Like many survivors, Umholtz isn't too concerned about what she's lost, because she's alive.

"I'm just blessed that we're OK, and made it thru it," said survivor Judy Umholtz.

Volunteers plan to stay in Sand Springs several more days. They're expecting more help here this weekend, and sheriff's deputies plan to guard the area, keeping others out for several more days.