Indiana philanthropist among 19 confirmed deaths from Kentucky severe weather
An Indiana philanthropist is among 19 people who were killed by severe weather and tornadoes in Kentucky over the weekend.
Debra Edelman, 93, of Richmond died of carbon monoxide poisoning while she was staying on a houseboat, according to Mark Coots, a county coroner for Russell County in Kentucky. She was at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Jamestown.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed on Sunday afternoon that the death toll from the severe weather had risen to 19, saying it was an "adult female from Russell County." An EF3 tornado with maximum wind gusts of 155 miles per hour was earlier confirmed in Kentucky.
"We've got more tough news, Kentucky," Beshear posted on X. "Please join Britainy and me in praying for the families who are hurting right now."
The severe weather over the weekend, which included deadly tornadoes and storms that stretched across the Midwest including in Indiana, also claimed the life of another Indiana resident: a 33-year-old named Allison L. McCammon of Dugger.
The National Weather Service confirmed that at least one EF2 tornado also hit southern Indiana Friday night.
Edelman was a prominent member of Richmond's business community and philanthropist.
Edelman and her late husband of 64 years, Jack, founded Recycling Center Inc. in Richmond and had several other businesses.
In 2024, Ivy Tech Community College and the Ivy Tech Foundation recognized Edelman with a "benefactor award" which honors the generosity of donors and volunteers.
"Debra is passionate about giving back to the community, supporting the Ivy Tech Foundation and many other organizations," Ivy Tech Richmond said last year in a news release.
She also recently gave nearly $82,000 to Richmond High School for new band uniforms, according to Western Wayne News.
The recently opened Debra Edelman Healthcare Education Center at Ivy Tech also serves as a space to train future health care workers.
There's also a police and fire training center in Richmond named after Edelman's son, Israel "Izzy" David Edelman, who died in 1984 in a fraternity house fire.
At the time the center was named after her son, Edelman said she was "overwhelmed by the honor."
"I'm just thrilled," she said back in 2019.
Courier-Journal reporter Leo Bertucci contributed to this report.
Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana philanthropist among 19 confirmed deaths from Kentucky severe weather
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