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.

A Major with the Laurel County Fire Department died while responding to the devastating tornado that struck Laurel County, according to the department.

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - While some homes are still partially standing after a deadly EF-3 tornado rocked the county on Friday night, others are reduced to rubble. Among those without a home is Alicia Sexton, who lives in the Sunshine Hills Subdivision in Laurel County.

LEXINGTON, Ky. ( WKYT /Gray News) – A firefighter in Kentucky died Saturday morning after being injured while responding to storm damage. The Laurel County Fire Department confirmed the death of Major Leslie Roger Leatherman in a post on social media.

A reported tornado claimed lives in Laurel County, causing destruction and displacing many. Shelters are open and efforts are underway to help those affected.

A Laurel County firefighter who spent nearly 40 years serving his community died Friday night while protecting others during the devastating tornado outbreak in southern Kentucky.

A preliminary survey by National Weather Service Jackson suggests an EF-3 tornado struck Laurel County late Friday.

Law enforcement is cracking down so that the only thing survivors have to focus on is building their lives back.