SERENA, Illinois — An Illinois family and the surrounding community are mourning 8-year-old Kinslee Tschida, who passed away after being struck by lightning while playing with relatives in the backyard of her home in rural Serena, located in LaSalle County.
The incident occurred on Friday, July 3, 2026, as an approaching storm remained some distance from the property.
Kinslee had been playing on a backyard swing with her cousins when a family member heard thunder and told the children to immediately head inside.
According to her grandfather, Chris Scheib, Kinslee was getting off the swing when the lightning suddenly struck near the trees.
The house was only about 15 to 20 feet away, and Scheib said she likely would have reached safety within seconds.
Another young relative was standing only a few feet away but was not physically harmed.
Kinslee’s mother, who works as a nurse, and another family member immediately performed CPR while emergency assistance was requested.
Kinslee was transported to OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, where medical personnel continued efforts to assist her. She was later pronounced deceased.
The LaSalle County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy, but the final official findings were still pending at the time of the latest reports.
Family members described Kinslee as an “old soul” with a joyful and unforgettable personality.
She loved singing and dancing and was affectionately known as the “Queen Bee” at school because of the confidence and energy she brought whenever she entered a room.
Kinslee was preparing to begin third grade at Rutland Grade School. Teachers, classmates, neighbors and community members have shared messages of love and support while remembering the happiness she brought to those around her.
A fundraising campaign organized by Samantha Wallace was established to assist the family with medical and memorial expenses. Its message remembered Kinslee for her laughter, love and light, which relatives say will remain with them forever.
The case serves as a painful reminder that lightning can travel beyond the visible center of a storm.
Weather-safety officials recommend moving indoors immediately whenever thunder can be heard, even when rain has not yet started or the storm appears distant.
As the investigation continues, the people of Serena are surrounding Kinslee’s family with prayers and support while honoring the life of a young girl whose presence left a lasting impression on her school and community.