The legacy of Will Norton, one of the 161 victims of the catastrophic Joplin tornado in 2011, has gained renewed attention following the recent release of the documentary The Twister: Caught in the Storm. This poignant film, which debuted on Netflix on March 19, revisits the harrowing events of May 22, 2011, when an EF5 tornado—the most severe classification—devastated Joplin, Missouri.
This catastrophic event claimed numerous lives, leaving 1, 150 individuals injured and obliterating large sections of the area. It ranks as the deadliest tornado in the United States since 1947 and the seventh deadliest in recorded history.
The Twister: Caught in the Storm utilizes firsthand accounts and archival footage to chronicle that fateful day. The documentary not only captures the devastation but also honors the stories of those who survived and memorializes the victims, including Norton.
Remembering Will Norton: A Tribute Resurfaces
On what was supposed to be a celebratory graduation day for many Joplin High School students, 18-year-old Will Norton tragically lost his life after attending his commencement ceremony. While heading home, he encountered the fierce tornado that altered countless lives forever.
One of the last known photos of Will Norton at his graduation from Joplin High School on May 22, 2011. Sadly, he was killed while on his way home from the ceremony when the infamous EF5 tornado hit Joplin. by u/aldisneygirl91 in lastimages
In the wake of the documentary’s release, a heartfelt tribute to Norton surfaced on social media. A Reddit user shared a photograph of him beaming in his graduation gown while proudly holding his diploma. They accompanied the image with the somber caption: “One of the last known photos of Will Norton at his graduation from Joplin High School on May 22, 2011. Sadly, he was killed while on his way home from the ceremony when the infamous EF5 tornado hit Joplin.”
Responses to the post highlighted Will’s character and impact on his peers. A fellow classmate wrote, “Will was a year older than me, but we shared a TV Productions class. He was undeniably one of the brightest students and the only one who had a thriving YouTube channel.
“He was genuinely one of the kindest individuals I’ve known. Despite his family’s wealth, he treated everyone equally, regardless of their background. It’s so tragic that his life ended so prematurely while driving home from graduation.”
Another commenter expressed gratitude for highlighting Will’s channel, noting, “He appeared to truly enjoy entertaining people. There’s that old saying: ‘All the best ones die young.’”
The documentary includes news footage announcing Will’s disappearance, as his family and friends began the frantic search for him, marking him as a representative figure for many missing in the aftermath of the storm.
A news anchor shares clips from Will’s YouTube channel, stating, “He was already a sensation on YouTube, boasting over a million and a half views on his videos. He went missing when the tornado struck his vehicle.”
Tracey Pressler, Will’s aunt, recounts the moment disaster struck.“The sirens were blaring, prompting everyone to seek shelter in different directions, ” she explains.“He was driving with my brother beside him when the tornado lifted them into the air.”
Pressler elaborates on the harrowing scene, “My brother reached for Will while he began quoting scripture. The tornado literally pulled him through the sunroof as my brother tried to hold onto him.”
The search for Will ended tragically on May 27, 2011, when his body was discovered in a nearby pond. In the aftermath, tributes flowed in; media, family, and friends encouraged the public to remember him by watching his YouTube content.
Keegan, Will’s friend and captain of the high school football team, remarked, “For those who haven’t seen it, Will maintained a YouTube channel filled with videos that showcase his vibrant life and enthusiasm for every day.”
The Twister: Caught in the Storm is now available for streaming on Netflix. For additional updates on documentaries, consider reading about the recent delays of American Manhunt: Osama Bin Laden, developments surrounding Ruby Franke, and what has become of Michael and Kristine Barnett.
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