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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – A Savannah State Student is recovering after a tornado tore through his family home in May. Malachi Chaney and his family spoke with WSAV News 3’s Nakya Harris about how he is dealing with the aftermath.
Tray Chaney, Malachi’s father, said the day was normal until it was not. Before he knew it, he said he heard ominous sounds and saw the walls hurtling toward his face. An EF-2 tornado tore through their home in Henry County.
“The first words out of my mouth were, “Where’s my son?” Next thing you know, I kind of levitated in the air,” Tray said. “When I woke up – because I had been unconscious maybe for like a minute – but when I woke up, I was wrapped in sheets with blood on my face. My face was in the mud. So, when I pulled the sheets back, my roof was gone.”
Malachi was thrown 300 feet. That is the length of a football field. The family say they searched for Malachi for nearly an hour. Thankfully, he survived, spending time in critical condition. Since then, he says he has been recovering well.
“Physically, I feel amazing. I feel just like I did before all of this. I remember when I first gained my consciousness back, I did feel something a little off of my body. But before you knew it, a week or two passed and I walked the same as I always have. I can talk and eat the same.”
Tray has been documenting Malachi’s progress on social media. It’s something that has helped the family through these life changing moments.
“Every day I’m still battling, you know, PTSD,” Tray said. “I’m in therapy now. I never thought I would say I needed a therapist, but you know, I have to speak to somebody at least a couple times a week.”
The Chaney family continues to move forward.
“When you meet someone new, like, for example, me as a student, when I meet new incoming freshmen, like new students, like transfer students, never take their time for granted because you never know. Because in my situation, I learned life could be short, just like that. Now being able to live is the tale that it just gives me a new appreciation for life, whether that’s family, friends or someone new completely. Especially when I get back on campus.”
Tray also told WSAV that when Malachi is 100%, his dream is to walk him back through Savannah State University’s doors. They both thank the Savannah community for the outpouring of support.
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