A devastating tornado tore through Clark Mills, New York, in the early hours of Sunday, June 22, 2025, leaving behind heartbreak and destruction. Among the three lives lost were six-year-old twin sisters, Emily and Kenni Bisson.
The girls were inside their home with their mother, Kayleigh, when an EF-1 tornado with winds reaching 105 mph struck the area. A massive tree crashed through the roof, trapping Kayleigh beneath the rubble. Neighbors rushed to her aid and pulled her out, but tragically, Emily and Kenni were later found dead inside the house.
Another resident, Shelly Johnson, was also killed when a tree collapsed onto her home.
The tornado carved a 2.43-mile path through the community, flattening trees and damaging homes. At Clinton Elementary School, where the twins had just finished first grade, grief rippled through classrooms. Classes were canceled, and grief counselors were brought in to support students and staff.
The Bisson family had only recently moved into their rental home. A GoFundMe campaign launched for Kayleigh, a single mother, has since raised more than $308,000 to help with funeral costs and recovery.
Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency across 32 counties as the tornado was part of a larger storm system followed by an intense heat wave. Emergency crews from multiple agencies were deployed to clear debris and assist residents.
The loss of Emily and Kenni has left a deep void in the tight-knit town. They’re remembered for their bright smiles, love of dancing and sports, and the joy they brought to everyone around them.
