Locust Grove Tornado Survivor Malachi Chaney Begins Next Chapter in Recovery at Nation’s Top Rehab Center

Locust Grove Tornado Survivor Malachi Chaney Begins Next Chapter in Recovery at Nation’s Top Rehab Center

LOCUST GROVE, Ga. — Just under two weeks after being violently thrown from his home by a powerful EF2 tornado, 19-year-old Malachi Chaney is defying expectations and beginning the next phase of his remarkable recovery.

Malachi, who was inside his bedroom when the tornado with estimated wind speeds of 135 mph struck Locust Grove, was lifted from the house and thrown hundreds of feet. His family’s home was completely leveled. Despite suffering a life-threatening brain injury and multiple serious physical injuries, he has continued to fight with strength and resilience.

Now, his family says he’s being transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, one of the premier rehabilitation hospitals in the country, specializing in brain and spinal cord injury recovery.

Malachi suffered a Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI) — a severe traumatic brain injury that occurs when the brain shifts rapidly inside the skull, causing widespread damage to its nerve fibers. The prognosis for such injuries is often uncertain, but Tray Chaney, Malachi’s father, says his son is showing “tremendous progress.”

Since being admitted to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Malachi has surprised doctors and staff with his determination. “He turned 19 in the ICU,” Tray said. “Now, he’s able to feed himself, he’s laughing again, and with the help of his care team, he’s even started walking.”

Tray also shared that Malachi underwent successful surgery to repair facial fractures, and his broken ribs and punctured lung are healing well. “Every day he takes another step forward. It’s been a miracle to witness.”

While the road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges, the Chaney family remains hopeful and deeply grateful. The move to the Shepherd Center brings with it not only access to specialized care but also the comfort of having family nearby. “We’re thankful we can stay close to Malachi during this journey,” Tray said.

The community has rallied around the Chaneys, offering support in the wake of the storm that changed their lives forever. What remains now is not just the story of destruction—but the story of survival, resilience, and faith.

“Someday,” Tray said, “Malachi will tell his own story. He survived being pulled from his bed by a tornado and lived to rebuild his life. That’s a story the world needs to hear.”

For those wishing to support Malachi’s recovery, community fundraising efforts and updates are available through local channels and social media.