Weather
St. Louis Centennial Christian Church Mourns Beloved Member Patricia Pendleton After Fatal Tornado Strike
St. Louis, MO — The Centennial Christian Church and the broader St. Louis community are mourning the loss of Patricia Pendleton, a dedicated church member who was tragically killed when the historic church collapsed during Friday’s severe weather outbreak.
Patricia’s husband, Harry Pendleton, confirmed her passing and gave permission to share her name and photos, honoring her life and legacy. “She did everything at that church but sleep there,” Harry said, reflecting on his wife’s unwavering commitment to the congregation.
Patricia had arrived at the church by 11:00 a.m. that morning to help serve lunch to those in need—something she did with heartfelt dedication.
As the storm intensified, Patricia and two others sought shelter inside the church building.
When a tornado swept through the area, the church—located near Fountain and Aubert Avenues in the Fountain Park neighborhood—collapsed, trapping the three individuals.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and were able to rescue the other two, who were transported to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Patricia Pendleton was pronounced dead at the scene.
Patricia’s death marks one of several lives lost across the St. Louis region during the tornado outbreak, which caused widespread destruction, including power outages and structural failures.
The Centennial Christian Church, a long-standing and historic fixture of the community, suffered catastrophic damage as a result of the storm.
City officials and structural engineers are currently investigating the collapse. Early assessments suggest that high winds and compromised structural integrity contributed to the building’s failure.
The area surrounding the church remains closed as the investigation and cleanup efforts continue.
As news of Patricia’s death spread, heartfelt tributes poured in from friends, family, and church members. She is being remembered not only for her service, but for the kindness, leadership, and warmth she brought to every corner of the congregation.
Her passing has left a profound void in the lives of many who knew and loved her.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Pendleton family and the Centennial Christian Church community. Patricia’s legacy of service and compassion will not be forgotten.
Let us all take a moment to offer a prayer for Patricia Pendleton, her family, and those who continue to recover from this devastating storm.
DENVER, CO — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Denver has issued a Tornado Warning for southwestern Logan County and north-central Washington County in northeastern Colorado, effective until 5:45 p.m. MDT Friday.
At 5:11 p.m., weather spotters confirmed a tornado on the ground near Merino, approximately 11 miles southwest of Sterling, moving southeast at 20 miles per hour.
The storm system is producing a dangerous and damaging tornado, with the potential for:
- Flying debris posing serious risk to those outdoors or in vehicles
- Structural damage to homes, roofs, windows, and vehicles
- Uprooted trees and downed power lines
- Total destruction of mobile homes
Communities directly in the path of the tornado include:
- Merino
- Prewitt Reservoir
- Atwood
- Logan Corners
- Willard
- Messex
Residents in these areas should seek shelter immediately. The safest option is to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows and exterior walls.
Do not attempt to outrun the tornado in a vehicle. If no shelter is available, lie flat in a low-lying area and protect your head.
This is a confirmed tornado, not just radar-indicated. Immediate action is critical to ensuring safety.
Continue monitoring local media, NOAA weather radio, or official NWS alerts for real-time updates.