Posted: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 9:59 am

Statement from Connie Bryant, John Bryant’s mother:
April 15, 2009

After spending time with my son John, he has shared with me the events that took place immediately prior to the storms on Friday.  I am issuing this statement so that our family can set the record straight on what actually took place Friday, April 10.

When the tornado warning was issued, Kori called John to warn him about the storms that were on the way.  John was at work, he owns a roofing company, and immediately went home to be with his family. 

Kori padded a hall in the center of the house with pillows and blankets. 

Once John arrived home, he got Olivia’s car seat and took it inside so they could strap her in to give her extra security if anything were to happen. 

John then went to get a mattress to put over the family, and the next thing he knew he could hear windows being busted and he was then being lifted up by the tornado. 

The last time he saw his daughter, he was being sucked through the roof and was looking down at Olivia as she was looking up at him.  His exact words were, “I was going up, up, up and I flew.”

I would like to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity, it is truly overwhelming.  The support has been absolutely amazing.  The nurses who are taking care of him at Middle Tennessee Medical Center have been extremely compassionate, caring and very competent when administering care for John. 

The funeral for Kori and Olivia will take place at Woodfin Memorial Chapel on Thursday at 1p.m followed by a burial at Riverside Cemetery in Woodbury.  Visitation will begin at 10a.m.

A memorial fund has been established for the Bryant family at Bank of America.  To make donations you may visit any Bank of America location or visit www.thebryantfamilymemorialfund.com