Kentucky Fire Major Dies Shielding Wife During Laurel County Tornado

Major Roger Leslie Leatherman, a firefighter from Laurel County, Kentucky, died heroically shielding his wife from an EF4 tornado that struck the area during a fire response. Officials believe Leatherman may not have even known it was his wife he was protecting when the tornado hit, leaving him fatally injured while she survived with multiple broken bones. His body was found lying on top of his wife in a field, and he is being honored by the Laurel County Fire Department and community as a hero. Visitation and funeral services are scheduled at Faith Assembly of God in London, Kentucky. The tornado caused widespread devastation in the county, claiming 19 lives, including retired teacher Sherri Smith, whose ashes were buried alongside her dog, reflecting her deep love for animals. Meanwhile, the Kentucky National Guard aided recovery efforts by rescuing a dog from tornado rubble, reuniting it with its grateful family.