Michael D. Dehn, Katherine A. Pfaff-Dehn, and Marcario M. Lucio die in fatal Enderlin tornado
Fatal Enderlin tornado deaths of Michael D. Dehn, Katherine A. Pfaff-Dehn, and Marcario M. Lucio
Three lives were tragically lost when a destructive tornado swept through rural Enderlin, North Dakota late Friday night. Authorities from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office have identified the victims as 73-year-old Michael D. Dehn, 73-year-old Katherine A. Pfaff-Dehn, and 89-year-old Marcario M. Lucio.
Emergency responders were alerted to the scene at approximately 11:40 p.m., after storm chasers notified local firefighters of the discovery of two deceased individuals at a home. A short time later, a third victim was found at another nearby residence, adding to the toll of the catastrophic weather event.
The tornado, part of a larger outbreak that included 13 confirmed twisters across North Dakota, has been given a preliminary EF-3+ rating. This classification suggests wind speeds likely exceeded 165 miles per hour, causing widespread destruction and severe structural damage.
Based on estimates from Enderlin Fire Chief John Anderson, the tornado cut a path approximately six miles long and three miles wide through the countryside. The debris from destroyed homes was found scattered up to a mile away from the original sites, illustrating the extreme power of the storm.
Footage from a Ring doorbell camera belonging to local resident Hannah Diegel captured chilling visuals of the massive wedge tornado, illuminated repeatedly by lightning flashes as it passed through the area during the night.
Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner expressed deep condolences to the families of Michael, Katherine, and Marcario, as well as to the broader Enderlin community. He acknowledged the emotional and physical devastation left behind by the storm and confirmed that the American Red Cross and other emergency services are working in the hardest-hit areas to provide aid and support.
As recovery efforts continue, local officials are surveying the damage and coordinating relief for residents impacted by one of the deadliest tornadoes the region has experienced in recent years.
