On May 16, an EF-4 tornado with wind speeds reaching over 170 mph ripped across Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel counties, leaving behind a 55.6-mile path of destruction. At least 27 people were killed, and dozens more were injured. Among the miraculous survivors were the Clines, who each lost an arm while holding on to one another as their home collapsed around them.
Their injuries were catastrophic, but their bond remained unbroken. Rushed to the hospital in critical condition, they were separated during the early stages of recovery. Last week, however, the couple reunited in the hospital in an emotional and inspiring moment.
After days on a ventilator, Gail was finally taken off the machine. Her first words upon seeing Paul again were simply, “I love you,” according to their niece Brandy Bowman. A photograph taken during their reunion shows Gail smiling through the pain as she looked into her husband’s eyes — a powerful symbol of endurance amid tragedy.
“They broke bones. They lost limbs. They nearly lost their lives. But their love never wavered,” said their niece Taylor Baker. “I feel like the nurses are our family at this point.”
Their son, Jeff Cline, described the recovery process as a constant battle. “You take one step forward and three steps back,” he said. “They’re making progress, but they’re still deep in recovery. They’re not going home tomorrow.”
Jeff also expressed gratitude to the heroes who helped save his parents — including neighbors Justin Messer and Brandon Hill, EMTs Tim Thompson and Mark Rudder, and staff at St. Joseph’s London Hospital. “We teach kids to believe in superheroes,” he said. “But these guys are the real ones wearing capes.”
Paul is expected to be transferred to a rehabilitation facility soon for additional treatment and evaluation. Meanwhile, support continues to pour in for the couple, with their GoFundMe campaign raising more than $103,000 to assist with medical and recovery expenses.
Despite the long road ahead, Paul and Gail’s reunion stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit — a shining example of love in the face of unimaginable loss.
