An 8-year-old girl from Serena died after a lightning strike in her backyard on the evening of July 3, according to local officials. The LaSalle County Coroner's Office later performed a forensic autopsy and said preliminary findings show she died from injuries sustained in the incident.
County Investigators Confirm Autopsy Findings
In a July 6 news release, the LaSalle County Coroner's Office said it was called to the emergency room at OSF St. Elizabeth Hospital in Ottawa on the evening of July 3 for an 8-year-old girl who had been struck by lightning at her home in Serena. A forensic investigative autopsy was conducted on July 5. According to the release, early results indicate she died of fatal injuries from the accident. The coroner's office said the case remains under further investigation by its office and the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office.
Local Reporting and Timeline
Local outlet WSPYnews published a July 7 report by Ethan Kruger that walks through the coroner’s release and the sequence of events. The report notes that the lightning strike happened in the family’s backyard in Serena and that authorities have not released the child’s name.
How Common Are Lightning Deaths?
Lightning deaths in the United States are uncommon but not unheard of. Each year, a few dozen people are killed in incidents like this, according to preliminary tracking by the National Weather Service, which updates its counts as new cases are reported. Recent years have seen totals in the low to mid tens, and the NWS cautions that numbers remain preliminary until official records are finalized. The National Weather Service maintains the national lightning fatality tracker and related historical charts.
Safety Reminder for Summer Storms
Public health and safety agencies often repeat one clear rule for thunderstorms: “When thunder roars, go indoors.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to head into a fully enclosed building at the first sound of thunder, stay away from water and corded electronics during a storm, and wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going back outside. The CDC lightning safety guidance offers additional tips for staying safe when storms roll through.
What Investigators Say Will Happen Next
The LaSalle County Coroner's Office said it will release final autopsy and any pending toxicology results once they are available and confirmed. The office reiterated that the LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation. Local officials have asked the public to respect the family’s privacy as the inquiry continues, according to the LaSalle County Coroner's Office.
