Tragedy in Kentucky: What we know about the 15 victims who died in floods, winter weather
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Eastern KY suffers massive flooding
Raging flood waters over the weekend, and severe cold weather, have claimed the lives of 14 people across Kentucky.
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Raging flood waters and winter weather over the past two weeks left 15 people dead. Here’s what we know about each of the victims:
Clay County
The coroner’s office identified 73-year-old Donald Keith Nicholson as the victim reported in Clay County. After trying to drive through water, Nicholson exited his vehicle and was swept away by the current, said local news outlet The Manchester Enterprise.
A Go FundMe has been set up to help Nicholson’s family.
“Don was a longtime resident of Manchester, known for his deep devotion to his family and community. Alongside his late wife, Ellen Nicholson, he led a life dedicated to service and support, both as a father, husband, friend, and through his charitable work in local churches,” Morgan Saylor, the GoFundMe organizer, shared.
“Ellen, a respected educator, passed away in 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. Those who knew the Nicholsons, whether through their son Adam or their deep roots in the local community, knew that their home was always open.”
Floyd County
The body of Sydney Cline, 71, Mare Creek, was found Monday, said Deputy Coroner Rick Branham. Cline died in his pickup truck as a result of flooding in Stanville, Branham said.
Cline’s obituary says he was a superintendent for Lexington Coal Company. He had a son.
Hardin County
Thomas Oakes, 63, is the only death reported in Hardin County, said the coroner’s office. His cause of death has not been released and is pending autopsy. Officials said he wasn’t in a vehicle or his home when he died.
Oakes’ obituary says he worked as a mechanic at E’town Small Engine, Inc. He was also a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Hart County
There are three reported deaths in Hart County.
William Rutledge, 59, died in a “weather-related” single-vehicle car crash on Interstate 65, according to Kentucky State Police. Rutledge’s truck went off the road and overturned.
Rutledge’s obituary says he was an Allen County High School and Western Kentucky University graduate. Rutledge had a wife and three kids.
A 7-year-old girl and her 35-year-old mother died Feb. 15 after being swept away by the waters, said Hart County Coroner Anthony Roberts. The girl’s body was recovered that night, but rescue missions were paused due to rising flood waters, Roberts said.
Her mother’s body was recovered Feb. 16.
On Tuesday Roberts identified the mother as Amy Philpott. The 7-year-old girl’s identity was not released.
“She enjoyed being a mom,” Philpott’s obituary says. “Amy was currently caring for her grandmother, Charlotte, whose name she gave her daughter.”
The obituary for Philpott’s daughter, Charlotte Philpott, said she was a second-grade student at Flaherty Elementary School.
Jefferson County
Two people died of hypothermia in Louisville, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Feb. 18. They appeared to be homeless, he said.
Like the Nelson County car crash, this was not related to floods, but Beshear has included them in the tally of “weather deaths.”
Livingston County
A “weather-related” death was reported out of Livingston County by Beshear on Feb. 20. No other details about the victim or cause of death were released.
“We’ve now lost 15 people, each one a child of God who will be missed by their loved ones. Let’s show those mourning they’re not alone and we love them,” Beshear said Thursday in a post on X.
Nelson County
Brian Tichenor of Bardstown died in a crash related to snow-covered roads on Feb. 11, after the state began monitoring weather for a state of emergency, according to Nelson County Coroner Danielle Chladek.
Tichenor’s obituary says he enjoyed skiing, riding his motorcycle, collecting coins and being outside. He cheered for University of Kentucky sports teams and enjoyed making people smile.
There were no flooding deaths in Nelson County.
Pike County
On Feb. 18, Pike County Coroner Kevin Hall identified the county’s three flood victims as Robert Kelly, 71, Scottie Bryant, 70, and Gary Damron, 72.
Damron died in floodwaters while driving in his truck in the Fedscreek area, Hall said. His family described him as a man whose “smile would melt the Arctic.” He was out the night of the flooding giving a ride to someone in Pike County.
Kelly died in the flood at his home at Majestic. Bryant was swept away while on foot at Peyton’s Creek, he said.
Scott County
Paul Joseph Licato, 65, of Cynthiana died after his vehicle was swept away by flood waters just outside Sadieville, according to Scott County Coroner Mark Sutton.
Licato’s vehicle was found Monday afternoon on KY 35 in Scott County, Sutton said.
Washington County
Washington County Coroner Len Benedict told the Herald-Leader JoAnne Lehr, 79, of Springfield died at 6:20 p.m. Feb. 15. Saturday. Her car ran off the highway and crashed into the creek.
Lehr’s obituary says she enjoyed caring for and loving animals. She also had the ability to create conversations with strangers and make new friends.
Lehr had a husband and two daughters, according to her obituary.
“Her warmth and generosity made her a beloved presence in every community she called home. She lived her life to care for others, that is where she found the most joy,” her obituary said.
This story was originally published February 17, 2025 at 12:57 PM.
