Major Leslie Leatherman, a 39-year veteran of the Laurel County Fire Department, was tragically killed while responding to a fire alarm when the tornado touched down.

Fire officials say a first responder was found on top of his wife, shielding her from the tornado, and he may have even known it was her.

Multiple fatalities have been confirmed in Laurel County, Kentucky following a reported tornado. Saturday morning, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that nine people died and others had numerous severe injuries after the reported tornado.