Fire officials say a first responder was shielding his wife from harm when he was killed during a tornado -- and he may not have even known it was her.

Meteorologists with the NWS Paducah office have also confirmed several tornadoes in its region the afternoon and evening of May 16. Three tornadoes impacted western Kentucky, including an EF-3 tornado in Morganfield with winds of 155 mph, an EF-2 tornado in Allegre and an EF-2 tornado in Casky.

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 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.

Tornadoes in southeastern Kentucky resulted in at least 19 confirmed fatalities, with a potential for a higher death toll. While Louisville experienced tree damage and power outages, no life-threatening injuries were reported. This story has been updated with new information.

As recovery efforts continue, emergency management teams are conducting damage assessments to help Kentucky qualify for federal disaster assistance.

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

Walmart is partnering with Operation BBQ Relief to provide free meals to those in need in the Kentucky counties impacted by the deadly tornado.

The EF-3 tornado touched down in Somerset, Pulaski County, before wreaking havoc across the region, including London.