A mother and her teenage daughter were killed Thursday night after their vehicle was struck by a tornado in northwestern Oklahoma, as severe storms blanketed the region.
"I am praying for the family as they grieve this tragic loss, as well as all those impacted by the storms," Stitt added, noting that more weather risks are expected through the weekend. "Please stay weather aware and follow guidance from local officials to keep your family safe."
The deceased—identified by family as Jodie Owens, 47, and Lexi Owens, 13—were found dead inside their vehicle around 10 p.m. local time near Highway 60 and County Road 2340, just outside the city of Fairview, Sarah Stewart, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, told NTD on Friday.
Stewart said the deaths appeared to be tornado-related, though the official cause and manner have not yet been confirmed.
"If you knew Jodie, you know she never asked for anything for herself. She was always the one showing up for everyone else, at the PTA, at the school band cheering on Lexi on the drums, at church, in her neighborhood," Bagozzi penned.
"She loved God, she loved her family, and she loved her community deeply. This family gave so much to so many people. Now they need us."
According to the National Weather Service, isolated and scattered severe thunderstorms are expected to continue across the region Friday afternoon and into the weekend as they move east.