Son of ‘The Wire’ actor seriously hurt in Georgia EF2 tornado

Henry County residents had to hunker down Thursday afternoon as an EF2 tornado tore through a neighborhood, tossing a father and son from their home.

The National Weather Service reported the twister touched down at 3:31 p.m. near Blacksville, a community close to McDonough. Wind speeds reached up to 135 mph.

Henry Fire Rescue spokesman Capt. Craig Hutter said several structures sustained varying degrees of damage in the area of Bethlehem Road and Academic Parkway, near I-75 and U.S. 23.

A home belonging to Tray Chaney, an actor best known for his role as “Poot” on the HBO series “The Wire,” was considered a total loss. The Weather Service said the twister moved through his subdivision off Academic Parkway as an EF1 and then upgraded to an EF2 as it hit Chaney’s home at the end of Fresh Laurel Lane.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Chaney’s son, Malachi, was rushed to a hospital with broken ribs and facial fractures, his father told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in an email.

“I can’t stop crying,” he said Friday. “Malachi is still fighting hard, still in ICU. … I can’t get myself together right now. I wish it was me that was in ICU rather than him. I don’t want him experiencing no pain.”

Credit: Tray Chaney

His son was launched nearly 300 feet into the woods behind their house, Tray Chaney detailed in a public social media post. The father was also knocked around by the violent winds that left him “unconscious on the ground with my face in the mud” under what was left of his house.

“I crawled from under my house with a big knot on my head (and) vomiting,” he wrote. “But (Malachi’s) injuries are much (worse).”

The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical costs.

“We are humbly asking for any support you can give — whether it’s a donation, a share and prayers … or just keeping us in your thoughts. Every little bit truly makes a difference," they wrote.

Early damage reports also revealed uprooted trees and branches scattered across I-75, the NWS reported.

The Henry County tornado crossed I-75. We’re getting multiple damage reports. We’ll bring this all to you live on Channel 2. pic.twitter.com/FPbnGKGGJR
— Brad Nitz (@BradNitzWSB) May 29, 2025

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Traffic along the interstate in both directions, but mostly heading south toward Locust Grove, was bumper to bumper for several hours after a tree limb temporarily blocked a southbound right lane near Blacksville, the Georgia Department of Transportation said.

Two EF1 and one EF0 tornadoes touched down in North Georgia on Sunday, WSB reported, citing the Weather Service. Three more tornadoes — two EF0 and one EF1 — touched down Tuesday.

» For a detailed forecast, visit AJC.com/weather.

» For updated traffic information, listen to News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB and follow @WSBTraffic on X.

» Download The Atlanta Journal-Constitution app for weather alerts on-the-go.

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