Laurel County Fire Major Dies Shielding Wife During Kentucky Tornado

Major Roger Leslie Leatherman, a dedicated volunteer firefighter with nearly 39 years of service, died in the line of duty while responding to an EF-3 tornado in Laurel County, Kentucky. On the night of the tornado, Leatherman responded to multiple emergency calls in the severely damaged Sunshine Hills community, where he was later found deceased shielding an unidentified woman, later confirmed to be his critically injured wife, from harm. Despite the chaos and darkness of the tornado, officials believe Leatherman used his body to protect her, possibly without knowing it was his wife. The tornado outbreak resulted in at least 19 deaths across Laurel and surrounding counties, underscoring the dangers first responders face during natural disasters. Laurel County Fire Department and community leaders have honored Leatherman's selfless actions, courage, and long-standing commitment to public service. Funeral arrangements are pending as the community continues recovery efforts and mourns the loss of this heroic figure.