HAPPYLAND, OK -- Weeks before severe season rears its head, the first major storm system of 2012 claimed a life. High winds toppled a mobile home leaving only shreds behind. Machelle Epperly was trapped underneath that home.
"She was pinned underneath. The trailer house had actually flipped upside down," Pontotoc County Sheriff John Christian explained.
Epperly was the director of public transit in Ada. Christian says her death leaves a hole in the community.
"Michelle was a sweet lady- a good person who did take pride in working in the community and helping others and she will be missed."
Epperly's husband, 53 year old Rick Epperly was also hurt in the accident. He suffered several broken bones.
Christian said the mobile home was no match for Monday night's winds.
"The National Weather Service was here this morning and actually did a survey of the site. Their determination from what they saw was that is was a straight line wind micro burst that happened in the area with winds- to their calculation- of up to 110 miles per hour," said Christian.
The sheriff says that in a town like Ada, the community comes together in crisis.
"You'll see an outpouring of compassion and sympathy towards the family and what they're going through at this time," Christian said.
The Red Cross was on scene almost immediately. Much of the neighborhood seemed to be right behind with help.
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