It’s been two weeks since Paul and Gail Cline’s lives were changed forever.
The couple in their 60s, who each lost an arm while holding on to one another during a devastating tornado in Kentucky, have captured hearts across America.
Their home collapsed
On May 16, a powerful EF-4 tornado with winds topping 170 mph carved a 55.6-mile path through Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel counties in Kentucky—leaving devastation in its wake and lives forever changed. By the morning of May 18, the death toll had climbed to at least 27.
Among the miraculous survivors were Paul and Gail Cline, a married couple in their 60s, who each lost an arm while holding onto each other as the storm tore through their home.
Their story captured the nation’s attention — not just because of the brutal injuries they suffered, but because of the strength of their bond. Both Paul and Gail were rushed to the hospital with critical injuries after their home collapsed around them. The arms they had wrapped around one another were gone. But somehow, their spirits remained unbroken.
Now, an emotional update has many across America holding back tears.
The couple — married for 30 years — has now finally reunited in the hospital. And despite the trauma, they smiled through the pain.
First words
After several intense days on a ventilator, Gail was safely removed from the machine on Thursday last week. It marked a major milestone in her recovery — and the moment she and Paul finally saw each other again, face to face.
”She broke ten ribs and one of them punctured her lung. She had a liver laceration, a broken collar bone as well…scratches everywhere,” their niece, Taylor Baker, told Lex18. ”I feel like these nurses are our family at this point.”
”It was very emotional in the best way,” said Baker. “For them getting to reunite and for him finally getting to see her without that breathing tube. The photo that we have of them, she has the biggest smile on her face looking at him.”
”You take one step forward, you take three steps back,” their son, Jeff Cline, says. “It’s been just back and forth this whole time. They are — progress — but they’re still in the woods. It’s not like they’re ready to go home tomorrow. They still have a long road ahead.”
”These guys are really the heroes in the capes”
Jeff also expressed deep gratitude to the community and those who helped save his parents that night. He singled out neighbors Justin Messer and Brandon Hill, EMTs Tim Thompson and Mark Rudder, the sheriff’s office, fire departments, local ministries, and the staff at St. Joseph’s London Hospital.
“We teach all of these kids to believe in Superman or Batman—all of that stuff,” he said. ”These guys are really the heroes in the capes.”
While both Gail and Paul remain hospitalized, Paul is expected to be transferred to a rehabilitation center soon for further treatment, including scans to assess any internal injuries.
Despite the unimaginable trauma and pain, Paul and Gail Cline have shown the world what true love and resilience look like. Their reunion — eye to eye, hand in hand — is a moment of hope after horror, and a reminder that even in the darkest of storms, the human spirit can shine through. Their road to recovery will be long, but with a nation rooting for them, they won’t walk it alone.