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Pastor From Highlands Ranch Survived Missouri Tornado

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (CBS4) - A Highlands Ranch pastor and his family got caught in the twister in Missouri that killed more 100 people and survived.

Todd Nelson of the Mountain View Community Christian Church was in Joplin for a college graduation. He says his family survived by huddling in the laundry room of an apartment complex.

Nelson says the complex was destroyed in about 5 seconds and they were trapped.

"I don't know that I've ever felt that hopeless and that completely, 100 percent unable to change the situation in any way. That was very humbling ... very humbling indeed," he said.

Nelson's parents both have broken pelvises. His pregnant daughter started having contractions, but she and the baby are okay.

Additional Resources

The American Red Cross is accepting donations for its disaster relief efforts following the deadly Joplin, Mo., tornado. Visit coloradoredcross.org for information on how you can help, or to give $10 text the word REDCROSS to 90999.

Get complete coverage on the tornado at CBSStLouis.com.

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