Three killed in Union City tornado

Penni Jo Guthrie, 65, was one of the victims in the EF-3 twister that struck on Friday

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A powerful EF-3 tornado ripped through Union City, Michigan on Friday, killing three people - Penni Jo Guthrie, 65, William Andrew Akers, 65, and Keri Ann Johnson, 54. Guthrie's nephew, Ryan Palmerton, spoke with news reporters about the devastating loss of his aunt, describing her as a joyful presence who loved spending time with family, especially during the summer months.

Why it matters

Deadly tornadoes are a tragic reality in many parts of the Midwest, and this event highlights the devastating impact they can have on tight-knit communities. The loss of three lives has left many in Union City and the surrounding area grieving, and the story underscores the importance of tornado preparedness and community support in the aftermath of such natural disasters.

The details

According to reports, the EF-3 tornado tore through Union City on Friday, causing catastrophic damage. Penni Jo Guthrie, 65, was one of three people killed in the storm. Guthrie's nephew, Ryan Palmerton, said he watched the tornado hit his aunt's home from across the lake, and when he went to check on her, he found her house was gone. Palmerton described Guthrie as a beloved family member who loved hosting gatherings and spending time with her grandchildren.

  • The EF-3 tornado struck Union City on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • Guthrie's family is currently in the process of making funeral arrangements.

The players

Penni Jo Guthrie

A 65-year-old resident of Union City who was killed in the tornado.

Ryan Palmerton

Guthrie's nephew, who witnessed the tornado strike his aunt's home and was devastated by her sudden death.

William Andrew Akers

One of the three people killed in the Union City tornado.

Keri Ann Johnson

One of the three people killed in the Union City tornado.

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What they’re saying

“It's unreal, you can't fathom an instant death like that you can't understand that this has happened, like right now it doesn't feel like its true. This is just so hard. I still can't believe it.”

— Ryan Palmerton, Guthrie's nephew (WWMT)

“She would always invite us over for grilling out, she loved jet skiing especially with her grandkids, we would always go over there especially around the fourth of July.”

— Ryan Palmerton, Guthrie's nephew (WWMT)

“I feel sympathy for those in the same boots I'm in. It's extremely hard and difficult to understand one moment they're there and the next they are gone.”

— Ryan Palmerton, Guthrie's nephew (WWMT)

What’s next

As of Monday, Guthrie's family is in the process of making funeral arrangements, according to her nephew Ryan Palmerton.

The takeaway

This tragic event in Union City underscores the devastating impact that powerful tornadoes can have on close-knit communities. The loss of three lives has left many grieving, and highlights the importance of tornado preparedness and the need for strong community support in the aftermath of such natural disasters.