Inmate working at Kentucky candle factory walked away from hospital after tornado struck, authorities say

A Graves County inmate who was assigned to work at the Kentucky candle factory that was destroyed by a tornado this past weekend has escaped after he was taken to the hospital, according to authorities.

Francisco Starks was assigned to work at the Mayfield Consumer Products plant as part of a work release program. Starks was at the facility when it was destroyed by the tornado. He was taken to the Jackson Purchase Medical Center afterwards where he was treated and released.

“Upon his release, he walked away from the hospital. Post 1 personnel were notified of the incident shortly before 5:00 p.m.,” the Kentucky State Police said in a statement.

Starks is described as a 44-year-old Black man, about 5’11” and roughly 240 pounds. He was serving time for third-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking of an automobile and receiving stolen property.

Individuals with information on Starks’ whereabouts are asked to call the Kentucky State Police at 270-856-3721 or call in anonymously at 1-800-222-5555. The second phone number is only operable for Kentucky residents. Tips may also be sent through the agency’s KSP app.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) had initially said that around 70 people were believed to have died at the candle factory; however, a spokesperson for the company said on Sunday that eight deaths have been confirmed so far and eight employees are currently missing.

According to the Courier-Journal, 64 people in Kentucky have been confirmed dead as of Monday morning. At least 14 people across Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois have also been confirmed dead.