A tornado tore through a Henry County neighborhood Thursday afternoon, leaving behind a trail of destruction — and changing one family’s life in an instant.

Tray Chaney, an actor known for his role as Poot on HBO’s The Wire, said his 18-year-old son Malachi Chaney was thrown nearly a football field from his home after the tornado ripped through their Locust Grove neighborhood just after 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. 

“He was unconscious when they found him,” Chaney said. “Right now, he is fighting for his life in ICU.”

The tornado hit the Laurel Creek subdivision, damaging at least 13 structures and destroying two. A video recorded by drivers on I-75 shows the funnel cloud crossing the highway as the storm rapidly intensified.

Neighbors said they had little to no warning.

“I happened to look out our sliding glass door and I saw a rotation start forming literally in my backyard,” said Courtney Bucio, a Laurel Creek resident. “I just ran for the closet and covered my head.”

In a video shared on Instagram, Chaney said he had just gotten home from a family outing when the storm hit.

“We had a beautiful day today. We was with Snoop from The Wire,” he said, recording himself in front of the ruins of his house. “At 3 o’clock today, in a split second, my house is gone.”

As of Friday morning, Malachi remains in critical condition at Grady Memorial Hospital. He suffered broken ribs and a fractured facial bone. Tray Chaney is recovering from his injuries at home. Chaney’s family has started an online fundraiser to cover emergency expenses and help with rebuilding. 

“I wish I could replace the pain with my son. I wish he was the one doing the video and I was still in ICU,” he said.

The American Red Cross has deployed to help impacted families. The National Weather Service will survey to determine the storm’s official strength and path.

Henry County officials said the tornado appears to have only injured two people, both from the same home on Fresh Laurel Lane.

Despite the damage, residents say they’re thankful more were not hurt. 

“Just very blessed to be alive,” Bucio said.