81-Year-Old Former Mayor Dies in Cliff Fall at Home

Jim Rasnick fell 30 feet from a cliff behind his Somerset residence.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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An 81-year-old former mayor of Burnside, Kentucky, Jim Rasnick, died after falling off a cliff behind his home in Somerset. Rasnick served as mayor from 2002 to 2005 and also previously served on the city's planning and zoning commission.

Why it matters

The tragic incident highlights the risks that elderly residents can face, especially those living in rural or remote areas with natural hazards like cliffs near their homes. Rasnick's passing is a loss for the local community where he had been an elected official and civic leader.

The details

According to a report by the Commonwealth Journal, Rasnick fell about 30 feet off a cliff behind his home on Military Road in Somerset on Tuesday evening around 6:00 PM. He was speaking to emergency responders upon their arrival but died later at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, February 11, 2026 at approximately 6:00 PM.
  • Rasnick died later at the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.

The players

Jim Rasnick

An 81-year-old former mayor of Burnside, Kentucky who served from 2002 to 2005 and previously served on the city's planning and zoning commission.

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The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the need for greater safety measures and support systems for elderly residents living in rural areas with natural hazards near their homes. Community leaders should explore ways to improve home safety and emergency response for vulnerable older adults.