Shivangi Sinha
Surviving a tornado can be a life-altering experience, leaving survivors with both physical and emotional scars that often take years to heal. Netflix’s ‘The Twister: Caught in the Storm’ provides an account of the people who faced the catastrophic Joplin, Missouri tornado in 2011. One of these survivors was Steven Weersing, a teenager at the time who suffered life-threatening injuries. His recovery, which he described as a “miracle,” not only challenged his physical strength but also reshaped his perspective on life. Reflecting on that day, Steven shared how the tornado forever changed the trajectory of the future he once imagined for himself.
Steven Weersing Was Driving With His Friends When He Got Caught Up in the Tornado
Steven Weersing, a lifelong resident of Joplin, Missouri, was just 16 years old when the devastating tornado struck on May 22, 2011. He said that at that age, his main focus was enjoying time with his friends and living in the moment. On the day of the disaster, Steven and his friends were out driving on Range Line Road despite being aware of the severe weather warnings. Assuming the storm wouldn’t become too severe, they chose to stay outside. However, in a matter of seconds, the sky darkened ominously, and visibility dropped to the point where Steven could barely see his hands in front of him. In a panic, his three friends accelerated, hoping to find safety, but unknowingly drove straight toward the approaching tornado.
Within minutes, Steven and his friends found themselves directly in the tornado’s path as powerful winds shattered all the windows of their car. Desperately trying to hold on to anything within reach, Steven was suddenly lifted off the ground, tossed, and spun by the violent force of the storm. He tried holding on to the roof of the car, but it rolled over him. When the chaos finally subsided, his friends frantically searched for him. They soon discovered him not far from where they had been, but Steven had suffered life-threatening injuries. One of his friends recalled the terrifying sight of Steven’s heart visibly beating beneath his chest. In that critical moment, storm chasers Sean and Trisha Wilson from Owasso, Oklahoma, came to his aid, rushing him to the hospital for urgent medical care.
After being rushed to the hospital, Steven was diagnosed with cracked ribs and a punctured lung. Given the severity of his injuries, doctors determined it was best to place him in a medically induced coma. Despite their efforts, the chances of his survival remained incredibly slim. Family and friends gathered around, hoping and praying for his recovery. Remarkably, after just a week, Steven began to show signs of improvement. However, his condition soon worsened, and he was transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Kansas City. There, doctors discovered that a rare, aggressive flesh-eating fungus had infected his body, even reaching his bone marrow. To combat the infection and save his life, they made the difficult decision to keep him in a coma for an additional 21 days. Extensive surgeries followed, including the removal of part of his lung, several ribs, and surrounding tissue.
Steven Weersing Had to Undergo Many Surgeries to Save His Life
Steven Weersing underwent numerous surgeries even after his initial recovery and spent a total of three months in the hospital. Titanium plates were placed near his chest to support his skin, and his community rallied behind him. A Facebook page was created in his name, and the media covered his story extensively. While the support initially felt comforting, Steven admitted that as time passed, people gradually drifted away.
During this challenging period, he reconnected with Tara Fleming. Although they had known each other since middle school, they had never dated. Surviving the tornado together gave them a shared experience to bond over and deepened their connection. In the years that followed, they were blessed with two daughters, Briella and Bailey. While Tara pursued her nursing studies, Steven took on the role of a stay-at-home father. Embracing this role, he found a renewed sense of purpose and joy and dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his family.
Steven Weersing is a Proud Father of Three Kids Today
Steven Weersing currently resides in Joplin, Missouri, and although he and Tara Fleming are no longer together, he has found happiness in a new relationship with Lena Dawn. The couple welcomed a son in September 2023, and he has expressed how Lena is the “best thing” that has ever happened to him. He has embraced this new chapter of his life with joy and pride, especially in his role as a father. In March 2023, Steven’s name made headlines again when a missing persons report was filed for Tara. He later stated that she was in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and assured everyone that she was safe. He added that she simply needed assistance getting back to Missouri. Despite the challenges he has faced, he remains focused on his family and cherishes the life he has built.
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