Overview

• Major Leslie Roger Leatherman died while shielding his wife, Michelle Leatherman, from tornado debris during Friday night's EF-3 tornado in Laurel County, Kentucky.
• The tornado, confirmed by the National Weather Service, struck Somerset and Laurel County, killing 19 people, including 17 within Laurel County.
• Leatherman was responding to multiple emergency calls, including a fire alarm and reports of structural collapses, when he encountered his wife and used his body to protect her from harm.
• Flags are at half-staff in Laurel County and at the National Firefighters’ Memorial in honor of Leatherman’s 39 years of volunteer service and ultimate sacrifice.
• A GoFundMe has been launched to support the medical and funeral expenses for Leatherman’s wife and family as the community mourns his loss and begins recovery efforts.