BELVIDERE (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker was in Belvidere Sunday morning to tour the area where one person died and 48 others were injured after an EF-1 tornado touched down Friday night.
After surveying the damage at the Apollo Theatre, the governor applauded those who came out to help following the roof collapse.
“In the midst of this tragedy, so many people showed up here to help out,” Pritzker said.
The quick work of first responders and local residents saved lives, he added. Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau echoed that sentiment.
“If it wasn’t for the fast and coordinated efforts on Friday night, we would have seen a more tragic outcome,” she said.
The man who was killed has been identified as 50-year-old Frederick Livingston Jr. According to a GoFundMe campaign for Livingston’s family, he leaves behind his three sons and “the rest of his family that cared about him deeply.”
Five other people remain in critical condition, officials said.
“Our community is heartbroken,” said Belvidere Mayor Clint Morris. “Our thoughts and prayers continue for Fred Livingston, his families, his loved ones, and all those injured at this tragedy.”
Although sirens alerted people at the Apollo Theater ahead of the tornado, Pritzker said it hit so quickly that those inside didn’t have time to seek shelter in time.
Tate-Nadeau said it will take a couple of days to get a full assessment of the damage across the state. IEMA is also reaching out to the federal government for help.
“We will ask for the Small Business Administration to come in to help these affected businesses that are in the area that have had to be closed down,” Tate-Nadeau said.
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