‘The Wire’ Actor’s son heads to rehab after surviving devastating Georgia tornado

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Malachi Chaney, the 19-year-old son of actor Tray Chaney, has been transferred to a rehabilitation center after surviving a violent EF-2 tornado that tore through his family’s home in Locust Grove, Georgia, on May 29.

Road to recovery for Malachi Chaney

Malachi was thrown nearly 300 feet from the second floor of their home into a wooded area when the tornado struck without warning.

According to 11Alive, Malachi underwent a successful surgery after breaking bones in his face and having a punctured lung from injuries and a traumatic brain injury amid the tornado.

After nearly two weeks in the hospital—half of which was spent in the ICU—Malachi is now stable and continuing his recovery at an Atlanta’s famed Shepherd Rehabilitation Center.

“He’s laughing, feeding himself, and slowly regaining strength,” said Tray Chaney. “He still needs help walking, but he’s fighting. He’s my hero.”

GoFundMe fundraiser created

The family’s story of survival has resonated deeply with the community. A GoFundMe campaign launched to aid Malachi’s recovery and the rebuilding of their home has raised over $103,000, surpassing its initial goal of $100,000.

The campaign continues to draw support from fans, friends, and even celebrities—NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal sent Malachi a personal video message for his birthday, which he celebrated in the ICU.

Malachi, a theater student at Savannah State University, had just completed his freshman year before the storm. His father shared that the two were relaxing at home when the tornado hit. “We went to war with a tornado and survived,” Chaney said. “That makes us superheroes.”

The family remains focused on Malachi’s long road to recovery, but their gratitude is unwavering. “Everything is gone,” Chaney said, “but we’re still here. That’s what matters most.”