In the small town of Dugger, Indiana, a profound tragedy has struck, leaving a close-knit community grappling with grief. On the evening of May 16, 2025, Allison McCammon, a 33-year-old mother, lost her life when a massive tree, uprooted by a violent storm, crashed onto her vehicle. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. near County Road 1500 West in Linton, a moment that forever altered the lives of her family and neighbors. McCammon, a beloved figure known for her warmth and devotion to her three children, was pronounced dead at the scene, while one of the children in the car sustained critical injuries. The conditions of the other two children have not been disclosed, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the heartbreaking event.
The storm that claimed McCammon’s life was no ordinary tempest. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-2 tornado, with wind speeds ranging from 111 to 135 miles per hour, tore through Greene County that night. Originating five miles southwest of Linton, the tornado carved a destructive path, intensifying as it struck the town. Well-built homes lost entire roofs, walls collapsed, and trees were snapped or uprooted across the county. The tornado’s ferocity was evident in Linton, where it reached its peak strength, leaving a trail of devastation that extended into the northwestern outskirts of Switz City before weakening near Worthington. This powerful storm was part of a broader system that also battered Monroe, Brown, and Bartholomew counties, damaging over 75 homes and causing widespread power outages affecting more than 110,000 customers statewide.
The fatal incident occurred as McCammon drove her 2006 Pontiac along a rural road, a routine journey turned catastrophic by the storm’s unpredictable force. Emergency responders arrived swiftly after a 911 call reported a tree on the vehicle, but despite their efforts, McCammon could not be saved. The critically injured child was rushed to a hospital, and the community now holds its breath, awaiting updates on their recovery. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with officials working to piece together the precise sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
In the wake of the disaster, Greene County has rallied to support its residents. A relief center has been established at the former National Guard Armory in Linton, located at 2000 West State Road 54. Operating daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the center is distributing essential supplies, including bottled water, hygiene products, baby items, and work gloves, to those affected by the storm. Community members have responded generously, donating resources to aid recovery efforts. Recognizing the emotional toll of the disaster, mental health services have also been made available at the Linton Assembly of God church, open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These counseling sessions aim to provide solace to residents, particularly those mourning McCammon’s loss, offering a space to process the grief and trauma left in the storm’s wake.
Allison McCammon’s death has cast a long shadow over Dugger, where she was a cherished mother, friend, and neighbor. Described by those who knew her as a pillar of kindness, her absence is deeply felt in a community that prides itself on its unity. Tributes have poured in, with neighbors recalling her selflessness and unwavering commitment to her family. As Greene County begins the arduous task of rebuilding, the memory of McCammon serves as both a painful reminder of nature’s unpredictability and a call to resilience. The relief efforts, coupled with the outpouring of support, reflect the strength of a community determined to heal together.
Beyond Greene County, the storm’s impact reverberated across central Indiana. In Monroe County, another EF-2 tornado demolished a post office and damaged homes and businesses, while Brown and Bartholomew counties reported significant structural losses. The National Weather Service continues to survey the affected areas, seeking to understand the full scope of the tornadoes’ paths and their role in incidents like the one that claimed McCammon’s life. For now, the people of Greene County focus on recovery, drawing on their collective spirit to rebuild not just their homes, but also their sense of security. In honoring Allison McCammon’s memory, they find purpose in coming together, ensuring that her legacy of love and community endures amidst the storm’s aftermath.
