Black Excellence
‘The Wire’ actor’s son critically injured in Georgia tornado, house destroyed
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support The Wire actor Tray Chaney after a powerful tornado destroyed his home in Locust Grove, Georgia, and left his son critically injured.
Actor Tray Chaney, best known for his role as Malik “Poot” Carr on HBO’s The Wire, revealed that his home in Locust Grove, Georgia, was destroyed by a tornado on Thursday, May 29.
His 18-year-old son was critically injured in the storm and is currently in intensive care after being thrown approximately 300 feet from his bedroom.
Tray Chaney’s family devastated by tornado
“This isn’t a movie,” Chaney said in an emotional Instagram video recorded in front of the debris where his home once stood.
The actor recounted being knocked unconscious when the tornado struck around 3 p.m., waking up with his face in the mud and debris from his home piled on top of him.
“I woke up in a panic … screaming my son’s name out,” he said of 18-year-old Malachi Chaney.
“My son was thrown 300 feet out of his room,” he said, detailing how neighbors helped him find the teen in “the woods behind my house.”
“I lost my house, I lost everything in it,” the actor said.
“Thank god I’m still living. I survived a tornado. And my son, he survived,” he said as he prepared to see Malachi in the ICU with several broken ribs and a fractured bone in his face.
“Malachi is in this hospital fighting and me and my wife have not and will not leave his side,” he wrote.
The actor shared that he began vomiting after the storm and is now dealing with a large swelling on his head from the impact.
GoFundMe created
The Chaney family has since received an outpouring of support from friends and fans on social media.
A GoFundMe has been created by the family for those motivated to help during this difficult time. The fundraiser has raised over $88,000 out of its $100,00 goal.
“We are humbly asking for any support you can give — whether it’s a donation, a share, and prayers for our son Malachi who’s in ICU, or just keeping us in your thoughts. Every little bit truly makes a difference.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness and support during this difficult time. We’re doing our best to stay strong and hopeful, and your generosity helps more than you know,” said the Chaney Family.