Shivangi Sinha
The day the tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, in May 2011, was also the day Andrew Keegan Tinney graduated from high school. While it was meant to be a memorable milestone, the devastating events that followed left an indelible mark on his life. In Netflix’s ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm,’ Keegan reflected on the tragic day and shared his experiences and memories of his friend, Will Norton, who lost his life in the disaster. His heartfelt account highlighted the profound personal impact that natural calamities can have and offered a sobering perspective on the lasting effects of such tragedies.
Andrew Keegan Tinney Graduated From High School on the Day That the Tornado Hit Joplin
Andrew Keegan Tinney grew up in Joplin, Missouri, alongside his siblings and led a typical and joyful childhood. Popular among his peers, he was the captain of the football team and had a tight-knit circle of friends with whom he relished the carefree days of youth. With a world of opportunities seemingly at his feet, he was eager to embrace what the future held. On the morning of May 22, 2011, he woke up and prepared for his high school graduation. While he admitted he wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about the ceremony, believing it would be uneventful, he attended nonetheless to share the moment with his family, who were excited to see him walk across the stage. However, as he stepped out of the school, the sound of blaring sirens pierced the air.
Keegan’s father, who served as the chief of the ambulance district, quickly ushered him into the car, and they rushed home as the storm approached. From the safety of their house, they watched the thunder roll, and the rain beat down. Although their home was spared from the direct path of the tornado, the overwhelming force of the storm was still palpable. Having undergone EMT training under his father’s guidance, just like his siblings, Keegan didn’t hesitate when the storm passed. As soon as it was safe, they ventured out to offer aid to those in need. However, the devastation that met him was unimaginable. He vividly recalled the sense of helplessness that washed over him as he witnessed the aftermath — his once-familiar town reduced to rubble, a sight that would remain etched in his memory forever.
One of the most difficult and heartbreaking aspects of that day for Keegan was the loss of his friend, Will Norton. He spoke at length about the memories he had with Will and recalled the vibrant, joyful person he was. He fondly remembered the time Will featured him in one of his YouTube videos. The grief of losing his friend was profoundly personal, and the weight of that loss lingered with him for years. He also recounted a moment that deeply impacted him — watching a weather reporter break down in tears while delivering a report from the field. That emotional sight brought the reality of the tornado into sharp focus for him, leaving a lasting mark on his heart and shaking him to his core even to this day.
Andrew Keegan Tinney is Leading His Own Law Firm Today
Andrew Keegan Tinney pursued his higher education at Missouri Southern State University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government. He describes his college years as one of the most transformative periods of his life, attributing much of his personal growth to those experiences. During his time at university, he became actively involved in campus life, joined the Political Science Association and became a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
After graduating with flying colors in 2015, he decided to build a career in law. He enrolled at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor (JD). While studying, he gained practical experience as a law clerk at Sticklen & Dreyer Law Firm, which laid a solid foundation for his legal career. In April 2018, he began practicing as a lawyer at the same firm and focused on civil and criminal jury trials. He remained there until February 2023.
With a wealth of legal experience, Andrew took the next step in his career by co-founding Dreyer & Tinney, where he now serves as a Partner. His leadership extends beyond his firm; he currently serves as Missouri’s Young Lawyer Delegate for the American Bar Association and acts as the district representative for the Young Lawyers Section of the Missouri Bar Association. Additionally, he has been recognized for his contributions by participating in the Leadership Academy of the Missouri Bar, solidifying his reputation as a dedicated and influential figure in the legal community.
Andrew Keegan Tinney’s Beautiful Family Makes His Life Fulfilling
Andrew Keegan Tinney has found fulfillment not only in his professional career but also in his personal life. While attending college, he met Brittany, who was studying Health Administration at Colorado State University. Their relationship blossomed over the years. After getting engaged in 2016, they tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in October 2018. Since then, they have built a happy and loving life together in Joplin, Missouri. Brittany works at Mercy Hospital and contributes to the community through her dedication to healthcare. The couple is also proud parents to two children, who bring immense joy and completeness to their lives. Surrounded by a close-knit circle of family and friends, they have celebrated life’s milestones together and supported each other through both triumphs and challenges.
Read More: Steven Weersing: Where is the Joplin Tornado Survivor Now?
