Beshear confirms 20th death from May EF4 tornado that tore through Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The death toll from an EF4 tornado that tore through Kentucky last month has risen from 19 to 20.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in a post on X Thursday evening that a man from McCracken County had died from the May 16-17 severe weather that leveled towns and devastated communities.

Kentucky, I’ve got some sad news to share. The death toll from the May 16-17 severe weather event has now risen to 20 with the passing of a man from McCracken County. Please join Britainy and me in praying for his family and all those affected.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) June 5, 2025

In a news release Thursday afternoon, Beshear said there are still five injured people at University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington. Five of those individuals are in critical condition, and three were listed in "good" condition.

The governor's Wednesday update reported eight people in the hospital still, three in critical condition, one in serious condition, and four in "good" condition.

President Donald Trump approved the state's request for a major disaster declaration May 23, making individual federal disaster assistance from FEMA available to Kentuckians in six counties impacted by the May storms.

Those counties include: Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg and Union. Families in those areas can now start applying for FEMA assistance.

Assistance includes grants that can be used for temporary housing and home repairs, or low-interest loans that can help cover uninsured property losses. Other programs are also available to help residents and business owners recover.

Those in need can apply for help. First, they can register online by clicking here or by calling 1-800-621-3362. The FEMA app, which can be downloaded here, can also be used to register.

When applying for assistance, residents are asked to make sure their documents are uploaded online through the FEMA app or on the disaster assistance website; their damaged home is their primary residence; they haven't received help for the same losses from another source, including insurance; they are able to be reached by FEMA at the contact information provided in the application.

FEMA decisions can be appealed on the disaster recovery website or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. They can also be sent by mail or by fax.

FEMA has opened centers in Bullitt, Oldham, Grayson, McLean and Jefferson counties. Thursday, May 22, a second center was opened in Jefferson County. To look for one near you, click here for a map of locations.

At these locations, FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA and help connect survivors with resources.

Kentuckians affected by the April storms have a deadline of June 25 to apply for federal disaster assistance.

No appointment is needed to visit the centers. You can also apply for assistance online or call 800-621-3362.

The EF4 tornado with 170 mph winds crossed through three Kentucky counties. The NWS office in Jackson, Kentucky, confirmed through a multi-day survey the tornado was 1,700 yards wide at its peak — nearly 1 mile — and was on the ground for more than 55 miles from Somerset to London.