Marcario M. Lucio dies in fatal Enderlin tornado
Fatal Enderlin tornado death of Marcario M. Lucio
A violent tornado that swept through rural Enderlin, North Dakota late Friday night claimed the life of 89-year-old Marcario M. Lucio, one of three victims confirmed dead by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.
Lucio, along with 73-year-olds Michael D. Dehn and Katherine A. Pfaff-Dehn, was killed when the destructive storm struck the area. First responders arrived around 11:40 p.m. after receiving reports from firefighters and storm chasers who had discovered two deceased individuals. A third victim, Lucio, was later found at a separate nearby location.
The twister, one of 13 reported across North Dakota that night, has been given a preliminary EF-3+ rating, suggesting that wind speeds may have exceeded 165 miles per hour. This level of intensity is classified as capable of severe to devastating damage.
The EF (Enhanced Fujita) scale, used to assess tornado strength, ranks EF-3 tornadoes as having winds between 136 and 165 mph. Damage from such storms can include the destruction of homes, uprooted trees, and scattered debris fields stretching across large areas.
Enderlin Fire Chief John Anderson estimated that the tornado was about three miles wide and carved a path nearly six miles long through the community. He described widespread damage and a chaotic scene, with homes reduced to rubble and debris scattered up to a mile away.
Dramatic footage from a local Ring doorbell camera owned by Hannah Diegel captured the monstrous wedge tornado as it loomed over the area, illuminated by continuous lightning strikes.
Sheriff Jesse Jahner extended his deepest sympathies to Lucio’s family and to the entire Enderlin community, recognizing the emotional toll of the storm. He noted that emergency support, including aid from the American Red Cross, is being provided to those impacted.
Authorities continue to survey the damage and assist residents in the aftermath of one of the most devastating tornadoes to hit the region in recent memory.
