Mom Dies Shielding Toddler During Florida Storm

In the ultimate act of selfless courage a Florida mother lost her life shielding her three-year-old daughter when their home was torn apart by a tornado Sunday. She saved the child's life.

32-year-old Heather Town lived in a mobile home in Venus, Florida when it was struck by a sudden tornado that sprung up from Tropical Storm Debbie.

As the storm dumped massive amounts of rain the twister ripped through the area. Town apparently did not have time to escape.

The mother clutched her AnneMarie, wrapping herself around the child as best she could.

Authorities say despite the couple being catapulted nearly 200 feet through the air by the storm,  the child survived because her mother acted as a shield when they hit the ground.

Rescuers were able to find the little girl when they heard her crying. Heather Town was pronounced dead at the scene, but was still holding her daughter tightly. Town was also a mother to two other children.  Rescuers said it was one of the most courageous acts they have ever seen.