Seven victims who died in North Texas tornadoes identified

For the first time, authorities have provided what is believed to be the comprehensive list of victims tragically killed in the devastating North Texas tornadoes over the weekend.

Investigations reveal that seven individuals lost their lives in the storms, including four children, all within the Valley View area of Cooke County.

NBC 5 has now obtained the identities of all seven victims.

On Monday, family members informed NBC 5 that Victor Ortiz, a father and grandfather, was among those fatally impacted by the storm in Valley View.

In another home within the same neighborhood, Loyd Watson tragically lost his life.

“We saw that the house was destroyed,” recounted neighbor Jesse Helms. “So we headed over there because we knew there were three people inside.”

According to friends, Watson and his two adult sons were taking shelter in their mobile home when the tornado struck.

Observing the devastation, neighbors swiftly initiated a search and received devastating news.

“The father was already deceased,” Helms recounted. “Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do for him.”

Watson was discovered deceased at the scene, while his two sons sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized.

In addition to Watson and Ortiz, three members of the Esparza family perished in the tornado near Valley View: Laura Esparza and her two children, 15-year-old Miranda and nine-year-old Marco.

Additionally, two siblings aged two and five lost their lives when they were ejected from a nearby house. NBC 5 is refraining from releasing their names at this time due to their young ages.

“The point is, people are irreplaceable, belongings are not,” Helms emphasized. “Material possessions can be rebuilt. You can’t bring back the people.”

Despite facing the destruction of homes and structures, some individuals caught in the tornado’s path consider themselves fortunate.

They are aware that four families have been shattered by these storms, and the healing process will be long and arduous.

“These were our friends, so it’s difficult, all of this is difficult,” Helms expressed. “There’s damage everywhere, and this is affecting people’s lives.”

Those wishing to support the Ortiz family can contribute to their GoFundMe campaign.