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News On 6 tracks devastating tornadoes that killed a mother and daughter in Major County Thursday night. 47-year-old Jodie Owens and her 13-year-old daughter Lexi were found dead in their vehicle on Highway 60 near Fairview. The tragic incident marks the first tornado fatalities in the United States since June 2025.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Victims: Jodie Owens, 47, and daughter Lexi, 13, from Fairview, Oklahoma
- Location: Highway 60 and County Road 2435 near Fairview in Major County
- Time: Around 10 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026 during severe storm system
- Status: First U.S. tornado deaths since June 2025, according to Storm Prediction Center
Mother and Daughter Killed on Highway 60
Jodie Owens was driving in the area of Highway 60 when severe weather swept across Major County Thursday evening. The 47-year-old mother was on the phone with family members when she lost connection. Authorities responded quickly after tracing the cell phone signal to locate the vehicle.
Major County Sheriff Anthony Robinson confirmed that investigators believe the vehicle was hit directly by a tornado. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. Governor Kevin Stitt issued a statement expressing prayers for the family and all those impacted by the severe storms.
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Heroic Final Moments Shock Community
According to family members, Jodie was attempting to warn her other children about the approaching tornado when the storm struck. Her daughter Lexi was on the phone with her sister when the tragedy occurred. The family stated that Jodie and Lexi were trying to get their children to take cover because they knew tornadoes were approaching the area.
Family member Jacob told reporters that Lexi screamed and then the phone went out. The other children at home were not injured. The family expressed gratitude for community support, stating “We just want people to know they were loved by everyone around them.”
Damage and Emergency Response Across County
The tornado event sparked widespread damage across Major County. According to Major County Emergency Manager Julie Louthan, two people died near the intersection on Highway 60. A semi-truck rolled over on Highway 412 with no reported injuries from that crash.
| Damage Type | Details |
| Fatalities | 2 deaths (mother and daughter) |
| Power Lines Down | Approximately 3 miles damaged |
| Vehicle Damage | Semi-truck rollover on Highway 412 |
| Structural Damage | Cleo Springs and areas north affected |
Sheriff Robinson urged drivers to avoid Highway 60 while crews repair the extensive power line damage. Emergency crews from Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Game Wardens, and the Major County Sheriff’s Office coordinated response efforts throughout the night.
“Anytime we have a situation like this, it’s pretty hard on us. I mean, we’re human beings just like anybody else. We have a job to do and we’re trying to do that to the best of our ability.”
— Sheriff Anthony Robinson, Major County Sheriff’s Office
Family Remembers Loved Ones, Community Support Grows
The tragedy has devastated the Owens family, with relatives describing Jodie as a devoted mother to 8 children and 4 grandchildren. She was actively involved in school band programs and deeply embedded in the community. Lexi was described as a quiet, bright, and caring young woman who loved being with her mother.
A GoFundMe has been created to help cover funeral expenses and support the remaining family members. News On 6 reports that the fundraiser has already raised nearly $60,000 from compassionate supporters. Family members are traveling to Oklahoma to be with relatives as they grieve this devastating loss.
What Makes These Tornadoes Historically Significant?
According to the National Weather Service, the severe storm system on March 5, 2026 produced multiple tornadoes across western and northern Oklahoma. The Storm Prediction Center confirmed that Jodie and Lexi were the first tornado fatalities of 2026 and the first deaths caused by tornadoes since June 2025.
More severe weather is expected for Oklahoma as meteorologists warn of additional tornado risks across the central United States. Governor Stitt urged residents to stay weather-aware and follow guidance from local officials as spring storm season intensifies across the region.
Sources
- News On 6 – Coverage of mother and daughter killed after tornado strikes Major County vehicle during storms
- KOCO News – OHP investigation into tornado that killed mother and daughter in Major County
- USA Today – Oklahoma tornado kills two, confirming first U.S. fatalities of 2026
