Editor's Note: Western Kentucky University initially reported that a student died Saturday in overnight storms on the day he was supposed to graduate. The Warren County Sheriff's Office has since clarified that the fatality is believed to be a close relative of the student, not the student him or herself. This story has been updated to reflect that new information.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A close relative of a student at Western Kentucky University died Saturday in overnight storms on the day the student was supposed to graduate.
WKU is currently not aware of any fatalities within the WKU student body.
— Western Kentucky University (@wku) December 11, 2021
Initially, WKU had sent out a statement saying that a student had died in the overnight storms on the day he was supposed to graduate. But later Saturday morning, that statement was retracted.
"The Warren County Sheriff's Office has recently clarified information initially provided to WKU's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by first responders which was later referenced in a campus message," a news release stated. "The student fatality referenced earlier is now believed to instead be the close relative of a WKU student. Information is still arriving, but currently WKU is not aware of any fatalities within the WKU student body."
A dog stands in the street surrounded by the aftermath of a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Father and son, Kenny Sanford, right, and Colby Sanford, carry out a dresser from Colby's grandmother's tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states late Friday, killing multiple people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Dog owner Derrick Starks, left, Chris Buchanan, center and Niki Thompson, right, both from neighboring counties, attempt to rescue Cheyenne from a tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing dozens of people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Local firefighters, EMS and first responders check for survivors trapped in homes and vehicles in the neighborhood off Creekwood Avenue in Bowling Green, Ky., early Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (Grace Ramey/Daily News via AP)
A car sits among the remains of a destroyed house after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
The remains of Dawson Springs Primitive Baptist Church after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dr. Milton West, senior minister of First Christian Church, talks about the damage done to the church and the plans for recovery after an outdoor service was held Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
A woman searches for valuables amidst the remnants of a home on Saturday, Dec.11, 2021, on Highway F in Defiance, Mo. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)
Emergency response workers dig through the rubble of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
IMAGES: Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
A refrigerator wedged in a tree in Dawson Springs, Ky. on Dec. 12.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Dawson Springs, KY.
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
Aftermath of damage caused by tornadoes in Bowling Green, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
The aftermath damage from tornadoes in Mayfield, KY.
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
Damage in western Kentucky after Dec. 10-11, 2021 tornadoes
The remains of a house's kitchen after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
A dog stands in the street surrounded by the aftermath of a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dena Ausdorn stands at the remains of her home after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. Ausdorn has lived there for 28 years and lost two of her dogs with another left paralyzed after the tornado. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Father and son, Kenny Sanford, right, and Colby Sanford, carry out a dresser from Colby's grandmother's tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states late Friday, killing multiple people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Members of the community work to clear debris off of a car after a tornado off in Bowling Green, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dog owner Derrick Starks, left, Chris Buchanan, center and Niki Thompson, right, both from neighboring counties, attempt to rescue Cheyenne from a tornado-damaged home in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing dozens of people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Local firefighters, EMS and first responders check for survivors trapped in homes and vehicles in the neighborhood off Creekwood Avenue in Bowling Green, Ky., early Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (Grace Ramey/Daily News via AP)
A car sits among the remains of a destroyed house after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
The remains of Dawson Springs Primitive Baptist Church after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
Dr. Milton West, senior minister of First Christian Church, talks about the damage done to the church and the plans for recovery after an outdoor service was held Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Early morning frost covers a chair sitting in a destroyed home Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Mayfield, Ky. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across several states Friday, killing multiple people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Emergency response workers dig through the rubble of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
A family digs through the remains of their apartment in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
A woman searches for valuables amidst the remnants of a home on Saturday, Dec.11, 2021, on Highway F in Defiance, Mo. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday. (Christian Gooden/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)
Damage from a tornado is seen in downtown Mayfield, Ky. on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Authorities survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
People survey damage from a tornado is seen in Mayfield, Ky., on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Emergency response workers dig through the rubble of the Mayfield Consumer Products candle factory in Mayfield, Ky., Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Tornadoes and severe weather caused catastrophic damage across multiple states late Friday, killing several people overnight. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
University spokesman Jace Lux added in a statement that, "Our thoughts and prayers are with all members of our broader community dealing with unimaginable pain and loss this morning, including our students who lost close family members last night."
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