Streator, Illinois — A married couple is recovering after surviving a terrifying EF-3 tornado that ripped through their Illinois neighborhood, destroying their home and trapping them beneath the wreckage as they feared they might not make it out alive.
The powerful tornado struck Streator on Thursday night as severe storms swept across parts of Illinois and the Chicago area, leaving behind significant damage and forcing communities to begin cleanup efforts the following day.
For Gary and Roxanne Rymek, the storm turned into a life-or-death battle within seconds.
Tornado Destroyed Home Moments After Couple Took Shelter
As weather conditions worsened, the couple sought safety inside a closet in their home on 12th Street. What happened next unfolded with incredible speed.
According to Gary Rymek, the tornado’s force overwhelmed the structure almost immediately.
“The door flew out of my hand, and then everything just started falling apart,” Gary recalled.
Roxanne said she initially didn’t realize exactly what was happening as the house began to collapse around them.
“I felt through my back like I was being pushed really hard down to the floor, but what was happening is the roof fell on us.”
Within moments, large portions of the home had collapsed, trapping both of them beneath piles of debris.
Couple Shared Emotional Final Words
As the destruction unfolded around them, the couple feared the worst. Gary said they exchanged emotional words that they believed could be their last.
“All I remember is my wife telling me, you know, I love you, and I told her I love you, too.”
After the tornado passed, both remained trapped beneath the wreckage. Gary suffered multiple injuries, including a crushed ankle and an arm punctured by a nail.
He also became concerned about another potentially deadly threat.
“The gas was coming out pretty bad, and I know just a little spark, it would have done it.”
Despite the pain and dangerous conditions, Gary focused on helping his wife escape.
Husband Freed Wife While Trapped Himself
Using his uninjured arm, Gary managed to free Roxanne from the debris. Although she was able to get out, Gary remained pinned underneath the collapsed home.
Roxanne desperately tried to help but quickly realized the debris was too heavy to move alone.
“There was so much debris on top of him. Part of it was the roof because I remember seeing our shingles there.”
As she searched for help, freelance journalist Scott Lasker happened to be nearby documenting storm damage. After hearing Roxanne’s cries, he immediately rushed to the scene.
Dramatic Rescue Captured on Video
Video recorded during the aftermath captured the dramatic rescue effort. In the footage, Gary can be heard saying:
“I got her out.”
Moments later, he added:
“But I can’t get out.”
Lasker recalled finding Gary trapped beneath heavy debris.
“There were shelving units and doors, and it looks like they were crushing his leg.”
He began removing debris to relieve pressure until emergency responders arrived.
First responders eventually freed Gary and transported both him and Roxanne to a local hospital for treatment.
Couple Focused on Recovery After Losing Their Home
Although their home was destroyed, the couple considers themselves fortunate to have survived.
Roxanne suffered numerous cuts and lacerations, while Gary is expected to undergo surgery for injuries to his leg. Now, the couple faces the difficult task of rebuilding their lives and determining where they will live moving forward.
Despite the uncertainty ahead, Gary remains focused on what matters most.
“I’m just very thankful I’m alive, that we are.”
Their story has become one of the most remarkable survival accounts to emerge from the severe storms that impacted Illinois, highlighting both the destructive power of tornadoes and the resilience of those who endure them.
What would you do if a tornado struck your neighborhood with little warning? Share your thoughts and experiences with severe weather respectfully in the comments below.
