'It was shocking': Ada business owner loses motel, donut shop in overnight tornado

Residents and business owners surveyed damage in Ada Sunday morning after a tornado touched down overnight.

One business owner is devastated after losing his donut shop and motel, which was his livelihood for the two decades.

“It was shocking. I got a call from a normal hotel guest, called me that our hotel had been struck by the tornado last night,” JR Ean, the motel owner, said.

JR Ean has run the quality inn motel on NE Richardson Loop for more than 20 years and added on Ada Donuts just last year.

“We been running since 2005. Until now. But, you know, things happen. Mother nature can do the damage,” Ean said.

He says seeing his business in shambles Sunday morning brought on a rush of emotion.

“A lot, lots… it's hard feelings,” he said tearfully. “You know, a person who's been hit, it’s never been me. It did happen to be me this time so it’s hard.”

The tornado severely damaged the roof of the motel and displaced about 30 guests – who relocated to a local storm shelter in Ada.

According to Pontotoc County Emergency Management one person who was standing outside the motel as the tornado came through sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital.

Alongside Ean’s businesses – the North Hill shopping center and at least half a dozen homes were damaged in the overnight tornado.

But Ean says, Ada will recover.

“It's going to come together stronger,” Ean said.