GoFundMe raises more than $81K for 10-year-old Arlan Burnham killed in Tennessee EF-3 tornado

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TENNESSEE: A massive EF-3 tornado that touched down in Montgomery County, Tennessee on Saturday, December 9, has left six people dead, including 10-year-old Arlan Burnham, and dozens other injured.

The tornado was part of a severe storm system that spawned multiple twisters across Middle Tennessee, toppling homes, downing power lines, and leaving many without power, as per Daily Mail.

Fourth-grader Arlan Burnham was killed when family home collapsed

Arlan Burnham was at home with his family when the tornado hit their two-story residence in Clarksville head-on, causing the house to collapse completely. The fourth-grader was trapped under the wreckage along with his older sister.

Neighbor Billy Urban rushed to the scene to help pull the children from the debris, but tragically Arlan did not survive. His sister was taken to the hospital and released with minor injuries.

"My beautiful baby boy, Arlan, did not make it out of the house," the boy's mother, Katherine, wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post. She said their home was "in the direct path of the tornado."

GoFundMe campaign set up to help the Burnham family with funeral and rebuilding efforts

As the Burnham family grapples with the devastating loss of their son and their home, the community has rallied around them with an outpouring of support. A GoFundMe campaign set up by Arlan's school has raised over $81,000 to help cover funeral costs and home rebuilding efforts.

"Let us come together as a community to show Kyle Burnham and his family that they are not alone in their struggle," the campaign description reads. "Your generosity will provide them with the strength and resources needed to begin the healing process."

Besides financial assistance, neighbors have pitched in clothing donations for the displaced family. Arlan attended West Creek Elementary School, where administrators and teachers are also supporting the grieving parents and their two surviving children.

"I owe [Billy Urban] so much. He saved our daughter," said Arlan's father, Kyle Burnham, of the man who pulled his children from the rubble. "Please don't blow up Kat's phone. She has to replay this over and over again and it's getting exhausting having to hear her explain, cry and say thank you."

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee declares statewide emergency to assist with recovery efforts

In addition to the six confirmed fatalities, at least 83 people were injured in the tornadoes. Nearly two dozen remain hospitalized for their injuries. Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts offered his condolences to those who lost loved ones and said the city "stands ready to help them in their time of grief."

The storm system also spawned tornadoes in Kentucky and left thousands without power across the region. Photos show the extensive aftermath — debris littering lawns, tractor trailers flipped on highways, missing roofs, and shredded building insulation.

Many Clarksville residents took shelter as tornado sirens sounded, indicating grave danger. Some emerged to find devastating scenes — windows smashed, blinds shaking violently, and outdoor items tossed around neighborhoods.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has declared a statewide emergency to assist with recovery efforts. The National Weather Service continues working to survey the full extent of the damage and determine the paths and intensity of tornadoes that touched down.