Teen Killed By Lightning Strike
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A teenager from Downers Grove was struck and killed by lightning during Thursday's thunderstorms, the DuPage County coroner confirmed.
Teen Killed By Lightning
Jennie Dizon, 17, who was to graduate from Benet Academy on Sunday, was found unconscious at O'Brien Park, Dunham Road and 68th Street, near the sledding hill, around 5:20 p.m.
Dizon, who loved art, had gone to the park to either sketch or write in her journal.
Jennie was found with a pencil and pad of paper by her side.Paramedics were not able to revive her.
"She was probably writing in her journal, because the weather got nice," said Jennie's father, Eric Dizon. "It's just tragic the way it happened."
Dizon said his daughter's dream was to be involved in theater production.
"It was God's will that it happened at that time, because her graduation is this Sunday," Eric Dizon said.
The coroner's office said Dizon died from electrocution consistent with a lighting strike.
Her classmates say they just don't understand why she was taken away from them so soon.
"In a weekend when we're supposed to be, feel immortal, we're reminded of our mortality," said Katelyn Wray. "Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends. It's just an awful situation all the way around."
Benet Academy released a statement on Friday, that said: "Benet Academy is mourning the loss of senior Jennie Dizon ... who passed into eternal life last evening, apparently having been struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. Throughout the day today, Benet's chaplain, campus minister, counselors, administrators, and teachers have been available in the Chapel, in their offices, in classrooms, and throughout the school building to offer assistance, comfort, and consolation to our students and members of the school community"
"Please join the entire Benet Family in remembering Jennie and the Dizon family in prayer."
Jennie's wake will be 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both Sunday and Monday at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75th St. in Downers Grove. The funeral is 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Scholastica Church, 7800 Janes Ave. in Woodridge.
