DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — Friends have identified a man killed when a tree fell on his car in Douglasville during strong storms Monday morning.
[RELATED: 1 dead, trees down and buildings damaged after likely tornado]
Friends and employees told Channel 2′s Chris Jose that Scot Hudson, 60, was the owner of Hudson’s Hickory House. The restaurant opened in Douglasville in 1971.
Friends told Jose that Hudson was on his way to work today when he was killed.
Carolyn Brock said everyone loved Hudson.
“My entire family is devastated,” Brock said. “We all really loved Scot. It’s just devastating to know that things can take away somebody you love so quickly.”
Friends said Hudson was a family man who was passionate about his business and cared deeply for his customers.
“He was a kind human being, and just nice,” Brock said. “Just always friendly. You couldn’t ask for a better friend.”
The restaurant announced on social media that they would close today and it wasn’t clear when they would reopen.
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“Please keep the Hudson family in your prayers,” the restaurant wrote on Facebook.
Emergency officials said a tree and power lines fell on a car on Campbellton Street around 10:36 a.m., trapping the driver inside.
The National Weather Service had issued a tornado warning for the area at 10:21 a.m. Officials have confirmed that an EF-1 tornado with winds of 90 mph carved a 1.5-mile path through Douglas County.
Jennifer Wilcox lives in a neighborhood near Fulton Industrial Park that sustained significant damage.
“I could feel and hear the trees hitting up against the house, and the house was shaking and it was loud,” Wilcox said. “I just got in the closet down here.”
Jasmine Price said she and five family members took cover in a bath tub.
“I just prayed that we would make it out safe and sound,” Price said.
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