Kentucky residents speak on the destruction of the well known Candle Factory in Mayfield

MAYFIELD Ky. (KBSI) – Violent winds that took the town of Mayfield Kentucky by surprise three years ago continue to have an impact on the citizens even today. 

The destruction and damages caused by the deadly EF-4 tornado are still being rebuilt as it will be a long road to recovery to get the town back to what they refer as normal. 

A tragic week brings tragic memories for citizens of Mayfeild Kentucky. They will never forget the tornado that hit three years ago on December 10, 2021.

One result of this tornado was the horrific fire that burnt down a candle factory and took the lives of many. 

A horrible day as buildings were destroyed and loved ones were lost by a natural disaster. Not only was Mayfield hit and destroyed in many ways but one 24 hour operation that was majorly impacted and does not stand anymore to this day. 

The Candle Factory in Mayfield that produced candles for various retail stores including Bath and Body Works was torn away and took the lives of loved ones with it. 

“He was just a nice guy,” said Floyd.

Robin Floyd has lived in Kentucky for years and has had good friends of his that worked at The Candle Factory for years until on December 10, 2021 everything changed. 

“And, he was working there. and when he was crushed, what happened was, the tornado blew up. One of the things that blew over was a wall, a brick wall. And that fell on him and killed him,” said Floyd.

Floyd says he was lucky that he and his family survived the big Kentucky disaster of 2021 but others weren’t as lucky and there is nothing to do to prepare for it. 

“One of those horrible acts of nature. Nothing. Nothing you can do,” said Floyd.

Sheriff Jon Hayden has been the Sheriff at Graves County for years including in 2021 and he couldn’t believe how much chaos was caused the night of December 10.

Hayden was called out to several places that night and he points out it wasn’t easy for everyone to get on scene to help. 

Hayden was called out to several places that night and he points out it wasn’t easy for everyone to get on scene to help. 

“It was hard to get around. You couldn’t just go from point A to point B, without having to take detours or trees down. There were telephone, utility poles snapped. It was several hours before I could even get downtown to realize that our courthouse was lost,” said Hayden.

By the time Hayden got to the Candle Factory it was later on in the night as several fire personnel and police officers from several neighboring counties were on scene. 

When Hayden got to the scene of what was left of the Candle Factory he couldn’t believe the outcome. 

“Nobody could imagine how severe it was and the tragedies that followed. It was just surreal. And it’s hard to put it into words and explain, you know, what people here went through that night. And there were a lot of people that survived. And unfortunately, there were several that didn’t,” said Hayden.

The Candle Factory was never rebuilt after being struck by the devastating tornado but the people of Mayfield tell me they will always remember the former factory at 112 Industrial Drive.