19 people who died in KY storms have been identified. What we know about them

Yahoo

18-05-2025

Saturday night Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling and Pulaski County Coroner Clyde Strunk identified 18 confirmed victims of severe storms and a tornado that swept Kentucky late Friday into early Saturday.
As of a 5 p.m. Saturday press conference, 10 additional victims remain hospitalized in critical condition, with more individuals receiving treatment for less severe injuries, according to Gov. Andy Beshear. Three remained in critical condition at UK HealthCare as of Sunday afternoon, the governor later said, four are considered in fair condition and three others in good condition.
Beshear said in a Facebook post around 2 p.m. Sunday that a 19th victim, later identified as Indiana resident Debra Edelman, 93, had died in Russell County in the storm.
As word spread of the deaths, tributes began appearing on social media, and some family members and friends additionally provided information to the Herald-Leader.
Here's what we know about those who died in the storm.
Tornado confirmed in Russell County during KY storms. Assessments continue
Richard 'Dickie,' 73, and Wanda McFall, 66: Daughter-in-law Jaclynn England said the couple were a joy to their community and loved to help others.
Dickie had served in the U.S. Marine Corps. and was an active member of the Disabled American Veterans. Wanda was a chaplain for the DAV auxiliary. They took on the role of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at their church at Christmas celebrations.
'Even through the hard times they had love for each other and their family. They stood strong in Christ,' England said.
'We want people to know what wonderful spirits they were. They were not only a vital vein in our family but also the community,' she said. 'They strived to help anyone in need they could and found joy in it. At Christmas they enjoyed making children laugh and the rest of the year they helped honor our veterans like Richard who served in the USMC.'
June Fisher: Fisher was one of the kindest and most gracious ladies I have met,' said Debbie Gilbert, who works with a group called IGOT Community that holds events for those 55 and older.
'Not only was June a beautiful lady outside, she was a beautiful soul from the inside. I have always believed at true lady has the ability to be noticed, without trying to be noticed, and for sure that was June,' Gilbert said.
Nancy Clem, 69: Clem's niece, Nancy Edwards Carnahan, said in a message Clem worked for years in the environmental services department at AdventHealth Manchester, a hospital.
'She loved to laugh and have a good time, she was loved by so many,' Carnahan said. 'One of her most cherished accomplishments was she got her GED as an adult, she loved to travel with family and friends and was always ready for a trip.'
In a message, Clem's daughter Elaine Thompson said, 'She was the most helpful and caring woman --and strongest woman-- I have ever known.'
Thompson said her mother had 'fought many battles in life and was fighting when she was taken. She always caring for others no matter what it took she was always there she never ever had that much but she always made a way for others and her family.'
Thompson said Clem was on kidney dialysis at the time.
Clem worked at the Manchester hospital for eight years in housekeeping and was a part of the committee that came up with ideas to make things better for patients. One holiday, Clem made candy bags and gave it to all the patients on her floor, Thompson said.
Sherri Smith, 68: Sherri Smith was a retired Clay County High School teacher, Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said.
In a Facebook post, school officials said, 'Clay County High School is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our retired English teacher, Ms. Sherri Smith. Known to her students as Ms. Sherri, Sherri truly loved literature, plays, and more importantly, her students. She was always delighted to see them, greeted everyone with a smile, and she made everyone feel welcome.'
A former student said in a post, 'She was my favorite teacher. A few things about her: she loved the kids that had issues beyond what education could fix. Her quick wit would put out a sour mood and her Diet Coke tucked away in her desk drawer would push her through day after day. She taught many students that didn't like school and didn't want to be there. She listened, loved and gave great advice. '
Darlene Miller, 67: Darlene Miller was named among the victims of the weekend storms.
'Darlene Miller was one the most compassionate and giving person I know,' Joann Seals, who said she was Miller's best friend, told the Herald-Leader. 'She was a caregiver in a nursing home for about 40 years. She was caring, loving, funny and she was loved by so many.'
'She fed the hungry and she clothed the naked and she visited the sick. She did her best to help everyone she could. She was a Christian and she loved Jesus,' Seals said.
Tiffany Heim, 48: Heim was among the victims confirmed dead Saturday in Laurel County.
'You will always be remembered for your spunky personality, beautiful love of flowers and wild hair,' a friend posted on social media. 'RIP girl.'
Kenneth Elliott, 63: Elliott and his girlfriend Lisa Fortney died when a suspected tornado hit their Laurel County apartment building, the Herald-Leader confirmed early Saturday.
Elliott's niece Sabrina Elliott said in a Facebook post Elliott was a 'quiet, kind soul.'
'A gentle presence with a goofy streak that made people smile. And now he's gone --just like that. It doesn't seem real,' she said in the post.
His nephew, David Elliott, also remembered him fondly.
'Kenny was a big family person, (a) really funny and loving man, he loved being outside,' David Elliott told the Herald-Leader.
'He also mowed yards for a living and adored animals,' David Elliott said.
Bobby, 76, and Bernice Tillman, 73: The Tillmans were also among the Laurel County victims.
'If they considered you to be family, you were blessed,' a friend said in a post on Facebook.
Lisa Fortney, 51: Katie Fortney told the Herald-Leader in a message Saturday morning that her mother, Lisa, was among those who died in the tornado in Laurel County along with boyfriend Kenneth Elliott.
'Above all, she was known for her unwavering work ethic and dedication—a true hard worker in every sense,' her daughter said.
Lisa Fortney was a lifelong resident of London, growing up in the heart of downtown, where she built memories and lasting connections.
'I would want people to remember her for her kind heart and her ability to do the best she could, no matter the circumstances. She loved her family deeply. Her compassion extended to all living creatures—she loved any animal that breathed,' Katie Fortney said.
Roger Leslie Leatherman, 57: The Laurel County Fire Department confirmed Saturday afternoon one of its own, Maj. Roger Leslie Leatherman, was fatally injured while reportedly responding to a tornado in the area.
'Major Leatherman was a dedicated public servant for 39 years, answering the call to protect and help others in their critical time of need. His courage, commitment, and sacrifice will never be forgotten,' the department said in a Facebook post.
Laurel County Fire Department Chief Shane Lynch told the Herald-Leader he believes Leatherman was trying to respond to a neighbor's home in Sunshine Hills when he died. He was found outside his storm-damaged home.
Leatherman's wife, who has not been identified, was also injured and is reportedly hospitalized.
Melody Godby, 68: Godby lived in the Poplarville community on the the eastern side of Pulaski County, that county's coroner confirmed late Saturday.
Strunk said Godby's house 'exploded' during the storm. Her body was found in debris in her yard, he said. Godby died as a result of blunt force trauma.
Debra Edelman, 93: Russell County Coroner Mark Coots identified Edelman, of Richmond, Indiana, as the 19th victim Sunday afternoon.
Coots said Edelman was staying on her houseboat at State Boat Dock in Russell County when she died Saturday.
The electricity had been off as a result of storms that hit Russell County, Coots said. Edelman asked someone to turn on her generator Saturday morning, and she later died of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to preliminary findings.
The Herald-Leader is working to get more information and speak with the friends and family of all confirmed victims. No information was immediately available for Marshall Miracle, 25, Ray Cowan, 88, Linda Sweet, 72, Gary Sweet, 71, and Pam Mason, 67.