Ice Storm Claims 21 Lives in Eastern KY; Three Confirmed from Johnson County
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
With a total of 21 weather related deaths in Eastern Kentucky, three of those deaths were confirmed in Johnson County during the recent ice storm. Judge Executive Mike McKenzie said the men died from different circumstances, but all were weather related.
McKenzie said one case involved a 71-year-old man who fell while walking from his apartment to another to check on a friend. Another 71-year-old man died after his off-road vehicle left the roadway and pinned him. The third case involved an individual who suffered a cardiac event while emergency responders were delayed due to weather conditions.
“We certainly express our thoughts and prayers to those families who have lost loved ones to the storm,” McKenzie said. “It’s a very challenging situation on a lot of levels and we want to encourage everyone to be diligent and be safe.”
A press release was issued Monday, Feb. 10, asking the president of the USA to declare a major disaster declaration and is as follows: Kentucky’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Representatives Hal Rogers, Andy Barr, James Comer, Brett Guthrie, Morgan McGarvey, Thomas Massie, and U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, sent a joint letter to President Donald J. Trump, in support of Governor Andy Beshear’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration following the deadly severe winter storm that began on Jan. 23, 2026.
“This event was caused by a polar vortex system and produced heavy ice and extreme cold temperatures, resulting in impassible roadways, loss of utilities, and disruptions in critical government services. The Kentucky National Guard, Kentucky State Police, and local law enforcement and volunteer fire departments performed more than 1,000 wellness checks. However, further federal assistance is necessary given the widespread nature of this disaster,” the federal delegation expressed in the letter.
“Tragically, 21 Kentuckians are confirmed dead. Hundreds of homes and businesses have been impacted, with peak electrical outages impacting over 75,000 connections. Critical infrastructure has been severely damaged. Many counties reported closure of government offices for up to 5 days, and mail distribution was halted in at least 66 counties. Gas stations experienced shortages, and emergency response vehicles struggled to reach those in need of medical and firefighting assistance,” they continued.
President Trump issued three Major Disaster Declarations for the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 2025.
Only the governor of each state can make an official request for a federal disaster declaration. Kentucky’s federal delegation urged a timely and favorable consideration of Governor Beshear’s request.
Governor Andy Beshear said the families of those who died from weather-related deaths will receive support from the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund to help pay for funeral costs.