Veteran Laurel County Firefighter Loses his Life While Shielding a Critically Injured Woman (turns out it was his wife) with his Body

This morning (Monday), the Laurel County Fire Department (LCFD) provided additional details regarding the death of Major Leslie Leatherman during the tornado outbreak in southeast Kentucky.

Just after 11 p.m. on Friday, a tornado was confirmed in Somerset, and the National Weather Service (NWS) issued several warnings for surrounding areas, including Laurel County. The NWS reported discovering at least EF-3 damage in the aftermath.

According to the department, Major Leatherman was dispatched around 11:45 p.m. to a fire alarm on Sunshine Hills Road. Shortly thereafter, the department received reports of an individual trapped at Hart Church Road, followed by a report indicating the collapse of a “structure” on Sunshine Hills Road.

A lieutenant then contacted Laurel County 911 via radio, reporting that a tornado was on the ground and requesting immediate assistance from all units, LCFD stated.

Upon arriving in the Sunshine Hills area, first responders reported hearing a woman calling for help. She was discovered in a field underneath an unresponsive man, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman was rushed to the hospital.

Efforts to contact Major Leatherman proved unsuccessful for half an hour, prompting a search operation by Laurel County first responders, according to LCFD.

“Responders revisited the earlier field fatality. Lieutenant James Spicer and Deputy Chief Jared Kennedy returned to confirm the identity of the deceased male,” the department stated. “It was then determined to be Major Leslie Leatherman.”

According to the fire department, Major Leatherman was responding to the Sunshine Hills fire alarm when the tornado touched down, encountering the injured woman. He used his body to shield her from further harm.

“The female was later identified as his wife, Michelle Leatherman, who was critically injured. It is unknown if Major Leatherman was aware of her identity at the time due to the extreme darkness, noise, and traumatic events,” Laurel County officials said. “Major Leatherman’s selfless actions exemplify the highest ideals of public service and sacrifice. His commitment to duty and protection of others, even under the most dangerous conditions, will never be forgotten. The Laurel County Fire Department honors his legacy and mourns the loss of a brother, leader, and hero.”

Major Leatherman served the Laurel County community for 39 years. He is among the 19 individuals who lost their lives in the southeast Kentucky tornadoes over the weekend.