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‘They wouldn’t have wanted to live without each other.’ Family of 3 killed in Putnam Co. tornado

Posted at 6:41 AM, Mar 05, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-05 07:52:10-05

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Just two days after deadly tornadoes ravaged parts of Middle Tennessee, we’re learning more about the lives who were lost. A young family of three was among the 18 killed in Putnam County.

Joshua and Erin Kimberlin, both in their 30s, died along with their son, Sawyer, who was only 2 to 3-years-old. Authorities say their home in Cookeville was left in shambles after an EF-4 tornado moved through the area.

Though their family is grieving with an unimaginable loss, Erin's brother told CBS News’ David Begnaud that he can get through it knowing the three always wanted to be together – no matter what.

Read more: These are the victims of the Middle Tennessee tornadoes

"As terrible as it sounds, they wouldn't have wanted to live without each other. They wouldn't have wanted to live without one missing any of them. And so, it hurts but, they're all together now, and that's all we can really, at this point that's all we can ask for,” he said.

The Kimberlins were active in their church, the Church of Christ at Colonial Heights. The church set up a GoFundMe to help pay for the funerals. It has already raised more than $45,000.