LONDON, KY (May 20, 2025, 3:45 AM EDT) – A catastrophic EF-4 tornado tore through southeastern Kentucky on May 16, 2025, claiming 19 lives, now confirmed and identified, across Laurel, Pulaski, and Russell Counties, as reported by Governor Andy Beshear. The storm, one of Kentucky’s deadliest, has left communities grappling with loss, looting, and recovery, as residents unite to rebuild.
The tornado, part of a 500-mile-long supercell, struck Laurel County at 11:49 PM on May 16, devastating London’s south side, home to about 8,500 residents. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed winds up to 200 mph, killing 17 in Laurel County, one in Pulaski County, and one in Russell County, per Beshear. The Laurel County Coroner identified several victims, including Kenneth “Kenny” Elliot, Bernice and Bobby Tillman, Gary and Linda Sweet, Tiffany Heim (48, a horticulturalist), Wanda and Dickie McFall, and Darlene Miller, among others who included a firefighter, retired teacher, and church elder. In Russell County, Coroner Mark Coots identified Debra K. Edelman, 93, of Richmond, Indiana, killed by generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning post-storm.
London Mayor Randall Weddle reported up to 23 deaths in Laurel County, pending verification by the Department for Public Health. Over a dozen remain in critical condition, and the toll may rise. Laurel County firefighter Major Roger Leslie Leatherman died responding to storm damage, leaving a profound void.
The London-Corbin Airport was obliterated, with medical helicopters destroyed. Neighborhoods like Findley Trailer Park, Sunshine Hills, and Oaks of London were leveled, with rescuers facing “horrific” conditions. In Somerset, Pulaski County, a mass casualty event was declared, with damage to businesses like South End Speedway and Baxter’s Coffee. U.S. 27 remains closed from Bob Evans to Somerset Mall, and Ky. 363 in Laurel County is closed for evacuations. Power outages, peaking at over 100,000, left 25,000 without power as of Monday evening, per utility reports.
Looting in areas like Sunshine Hills has prompted patrols by the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and 70 National Guardsmen. “If you try to loot, we will arrest you. That is the lowest of low crimes,” Sheriff John Root said. Residents should report suspicious activity to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office at (606) 864-6600.
Community Recovery Efforts
South Laurel High School’s donation center is at capacity; supplies should go to First Baptist Church (804 W. Fifth Street, London), Hart Baptist Church, Victory Life Church, or other shelters. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office offers a housing hotline at (606) 521-3119, and WD Bryant Ace provides free ice, water, and charging stations. The Salvation Army delivers meals and support. Faith Assembly of God (390 Faith Assembly Church Road, London) hosts KSP and Sheriff’s Office staff for missing persons; call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), option 4, if unable to travel. Clay County residents can donate supplies or volunteer through local churches. Emotional support is available at 800-985-5990. Matthew 25: Ministries and The Hayden and Crue Project are collecting funds and essentials, while the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund covers funeral costs.
Governor Andy Beshear called this the 14th federally declared disaster of his tenure, with a major disaster declaration request under review. FEMA teams are assessing damage, with relief funds expected by May 20, 2025, if approved, per Beshear’s coordination with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. If declared, residents can apply for FEMA aid at DisasterAssistance.gov or 800-621-3362 for housing, repairs, or losses, aiding Findley Trailer Park residents. Without a declaration, SBA loans are available at sba.gov/disaster or 800-659-2955, and donations can go to http://TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov. The NWS’s EF-4 rating dwarfs the EF-1 tornado in Corbin in May 2024.
Among the resilient, local builder Christopher Curry and his family, whose escape videos garnered 200,000 combined TikTok and Facebook views, returned to their generator-powered Findley Trailer Park home, aided cleanup with authorities, and guarded against looters, contributing to the community’s recovery.
Last Update (as of 3:45 AM EDT, May 20, 2025):
- Laurel County Damage: 17 deaths confirmed, including Kenneth Elliot, Bernice and Bobby Tillman, Gary and Linda Sweet, Tiffany Heim, Wanda and Dickie McFall, Darlene Miller, and others. Searches continue in Findley Trailer Park, Sunshine Hills, and Oaks of London. Ky. 363 closed.
- Somerset Impact: One death in Pulaski County, U.S. 27 closed, state of emergency in effect.
- Russell County: One death, Debra K. Edelman, raising statewide toll to 19, per Beshear.
- Road Closures: Whitley Street, Ky. 363, Hwy 1642 near RECC, and U.S. 27 in Somerset closed.
- Community Response: Shelters open at First Baptist Church, Hart Baptist Church, Victory Life Church, and South Laurel High School Gym. Report missing persons at Faith Assembly of God or 1-800-RED-CROSS, option 4.
- Looting Concerns: Sheriff’s Office, KSP, and National Guard patrol hard-hit areas; report suspicious activity to (606) 864-6600.
- Death Toll: Beshear confirmed 19 deaths, though Weddle’s report of 23 in Laurel County awaits verification.
The community’s resilience offers hope amid tragedy. Residents are urged to avoid damaged areas to ensure safety during cleanup.
Debriefing photo courtesy of the Official Page of London, KY Mayor Randall Weddle
Photo of Sheriff John Root courtesy of the Laurel County Sheriff's Office
Photo of Gov. Andy Beshear courtesy of Kentucky.gov
The 1st TikTok video only seconds long by Christopher Curry inside their vehicle, captures the tornado’s chilling roar as they fled. The very short video can be viewed here: Curry family fleeing
“It’s a miracle! Everything around us is gone, but our home’s still standing,” Christopher Curry said, standing among debris when the family returned.
Watch the, short but detailed 2nd TikTok return video here: Curry family return after storm.
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