By MIKE SIMONS Staff Photographer on May 21, 2013, at 9:46 PM Updated on 5/22 at 8:12 AM
An American flag is planted in a pile of rubble as cleanup takes place at Plaza Towers Elementary School that was destroyed by a tornado in Moore, Ok. May 21, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
On May 3,1999 I was in my mid twenties, and was sent to Moore to cover the tornado that devastated the town. I was young, slept in my car along with fellow staff photographer(and wife) Brandi Stafford. Last night my wife told me to be careful, it will hurt more at 41 years old than in your twenties. Of course she was talking about sleeping in my car, and she was right. But, it was also true of the tornado coverage itself. No longer a young and invincible kid; the tragedies I cover now are more real.
I appreciate the victims for letting us cover the tragedy and intrude. I hope that news coverage can provide some kind of comfort and encourage people to help.
2013 Moore Tornado: Find all the coverage from the Moore tornado, including photo slideshows and a video from the World’s award winning photographers.
A resident maker her way through debris in a neighborhood near Santa Fe and Southwest 19th Street in Moore, Ok. May 21, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Russell Allen helps search his daughter's home that was destroyed by a tornado in Moore, Ok. May 21, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Melissa Allen searches her home that was destroyed by a tornado in Moore, Ok. May 21, 2013. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
Katie Bowen is reunited with her dog Franklin after it was rescued from her home that was destroyed by a tornado in Moore, Ok. May 21, 2013. At left an Edmond Police Officer holds her dog Beans. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World
