‘Miracle Boy’ Got Sucked into Deadly Tornado, Then Contracted Rare Flesh-Invading Fungus. How He Survived Both

“Miracle Boy” Survives Deadly Tornado and Rare Fungus Infection

Surviving a deadly tornado is already an extraordinary feat, but for Steven Weersing, the battle was far from over. Caught in the EF-5 tornado that devastated Joplin, Mo., in 2011, Weersing not only faced the wrath of the twister but also contracted a rare and potentially fatal fungus in its aftermath, making his survival story even more miraculous.

In a recent Netflix documentary titled “The Twister: Caught in the Storm,” viewers are reintroduced to Steven Weersing, who was just 16 years old when the tornado struck. He and his friends were driving through Joplin when their car was flung around by the powerful winds. Eventually, Steven was sucked out of the car and thrown into the heart of the tornado, experiencing a terrifying ordeal before miraculously landing safely on the ground. His survival earned him the nickname “Miracle Boy” as his story captured the attention of the press.

However, surviving the tornado was only the beginning of Steven’s harrowing journey. Like many others affected by the historic twister, he was infected with zygomycosis, a rare fungus that attacks body tissue, causing it to necrotize. With just a 5% chance of survival, Steven underwent multiple surgeries to remove infected tissue, including parts of his lung, liver, heart, and even his right nipple. The physical toll was immense, but Steven persevered through the grueling treatment.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Steven recounted the overwhelming presence of the fungus in his body, describing how doctors had to continuously remove infected tissue to save his life. Despite the grim odds stacked against him, Steven’s resilience and the unwavering support of his friends and family saw him through the darkest days of his recovery. His story serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges.

The aftermath of the 2011 Joplin tornado left a lasting impact on the community, with more than a dozen survivors like Steven battling the effects of the rare fungus infection. The documentary sheds light on the emotional and physical toll that such disasters can have on individuals and their loved ones, highlighting the importance of resilience and support in times of adversity.

As Steven continues to heal from his traumatic experience, he credits his family, particularly his father, for helping him navigate through the darkest days of his recovery. The ordeal has brought them closer together, reinforcing the power of love and familial bonds in overcoming life’s greatest challenges. Steven’s newfound perspective on life underscores the value of cherishing those closest to us and finding strength in the face of adversity.

Steven’s story of survival is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and courage in the most trying circumstances. His journey from the heart of a deadly tornado to battling a rare fungus infection is a testament to the indomitable spirit that resides within us all. As he continues to rebuild his life in the aftermath of the Joplin tornado, Steven’s story serves as an inspiration to all who face seemingly insurmountable challenges, showing that hope and determination can conquer even the darkest of storms.