Michael D. Dehn dies in fatal Enderlin tornado
Fatal Enderlin tornado death of Michael D. Dehn
Three people lost their lives when a powerful tornado tore through the rural parts of Enderlin, North Dakota late Friday evening. Authorities have confirmed that 73-year-old Michael D. Dehn was among the victims of the deadly storm.
Cass County officials also identified 73-year-old Katherine A. Pfaff-Dehn and 89-year-old Marcario M. Lucio as the other individuals killed in the disaster. Emergency responders were sent to a home around 11:40 p.m. where local firefighters, aided by storm chasers, reported two fatalities. A third body was discovered shortly afterward at a nearby residence.
The tornado that devastated Enderlin has been preliminarily categorized as an EF-3 or stronger, signifying extremely destructive winds likely surpassing 165 miles per hour. This was one of 13 tornadoes to touch down in North Dakota on the same night.
According to the Enhanced Fujita scale, tornadoes are rated by their wind speeds and the level of destruction. An EF-3 rating indicates winds between 136 to 165 mph, with significant to severe structural damage. The Enderlin tornado’s final rating will be determined after a full damage assessment.
Enderlin Fire Chief John Anderson estimated that the tornado’s path stretched about six miles and spanned approximately three miles in width. He described the storm’s force as immense, with debris scattered across a half-mile to a mile radius from the affected properties.
Surveillance footage from a Ring doorbell camera, owned by resident Hannah Diegel, captured the massive wedge tornado as it lit up intermittently with lightning flashes, illustrating the storm’s intensity.
Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner expressed condolences to those grieving the victims and acknowledged the widespread loss felt by the community. He also noted that assistance is being provided to the most devastated areas, with the American Red Cross stepping in to support recovery efforts.
Cleanup and damage surveys are ongoing as the full impact of this severe weather event continues to unfold across North Dakota and neighboring Minnesota.
