Weather News

A first responder, 51-year-old mother among the dead in overnight KY storms

By Valarie Honeycutt Spears , Jackie Starkey and Bill Estep

Updated May 22, 2025 5:43 PM

Multiple dead following severe weather in KY

A violent storm system ripped across Kentucky, destroying homes, businesses and at least one church. Multiple fatalities have been confirmed.

Expand All

You can read our latest coverage of the victims of the May 16 and 17 storms in Laurel and Pulaski counties here.

A lifelong London resident, a retired teacher and a Laurel County Fire Department official and many more are among the 18 confirmed deaths from severe storms that swept Kentucky late Friday into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling confirmed the following 17 victims from that county Saturday evening. They are:

Richard and Wanda McFall
June Fisher
Darlene Miller
Nancy Clem
Pam Mason
Sherri Smith
Tiffany Heim
Ray Cowen
Linda Sweet
Gary Sweet
Kenneth Elliott
Marshall Miracle
Bobby and Bernice Tillman
Lisa Fortney
Roger Leslie Leatherman

In a press conference late Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear said officials expect the death toll to continue to rise, and at least 10 people are hospitalized in critical condition.

The lone victim in Pulaski County was identified as Melodie Godby, 68, of Somerset. She was at a house in the Poplarville community in eastern Pulaski County that “exploded” in the storm, said Coroner Clyde Strunk.

Katie Fortney told the Herald-Leader in a message Saturday morning that her mother, Lisa Fortney, 51, was among those who died in the suspected tornado in Laurel County.

“She was among those in an apartment building that was tragically destroyed in the storm,” Katie Fortney said. “She was with her boyfriend (Kenneth Elliott), who also lost his life in the storm.”

Just before 3 p.m., the Laurel County Fire Department confirmed Maj. Roger Leslie Leatherman was fatally injured while reportedly responding to an potential tornado in the area. He is the second publicly identified victim of Friday’s overnight storms.

“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.

Another victim, Sherri Smith, was also identified Saturday by a state legislator.

Roger Leslie Leatherman, 57

Laurel County Fire Chief Shane Lynch told the Herald-Leader that Leatherman had agreed Friday evening to respond to calls for help amid the storms.

Laurel County Fire Department Maj. Roger Lesie Leatherman, 57, seen in this undated photo, has been identified as one of the victim’s of severe storms and possible tornado in Southeastern Kentucky. Laurel County Fire Department photo

Lynch believes Leatherman was trying to respond to a neighbor’s home in Sunshine Hills, which was hit hard by an unconfirmed tornado, when he died. He was found outside his storm-damaged home.

Leatherman was 57.

Now at the rank of major, he joined the fire department in 1986.

“It was just part of his life,” Lynch said Saturday afternoon. “His service to the community was second to none.”

Leatherman’s wife, who has not been identified, was also injured and is reportedly hospitalized.

Lisa Fortney, 51

Katie Fortney said her mother Lisa held various jobs throughout her life, but most recently worked at the manufacturer Highlands Diversified Services for seven years.

Lisa Fortney, seen in this undated photo, was among the victims of deadly overnight storms and a possible tornado in Laurel County, Ky., May 16 and 17. She was 51. Photo provided by Katie Fortney

“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; the Salyers family meant everything to her. Her compassion extended to all living creatures—she loved any animal that breathed,” Katie Fortney said.

In a separate message, Lisa Fortney’s cousin, Michelle Salyers-Baker, said she was someone you couldn’t help but love.

“She really was such a great sweet person and I loved her with all my heart. We don’t understand how this happened,” Salyers-Baker told the Herald-Leader.