Crime & Safety

Lightning Strike Kills Downers Grove High School Senior

Jennie Dizon, a senior at Benet Academy, died Thursday at O'Brien Park, just days before she was scheduled to graduate.

A 17-year-old girl from Downers Grove was struck and killed by a lightning bolt Thursday evening, authorities said.

Jennie Dizon, a senior at Benet Academy in Lisle, was found unconscious and not breathing just after 5 p.m. at O'Brien Park, 6909 S. Dunham Road, just east of the sled hill, according to Downers Grove Police Lt. Mike Willison.

Paramedics from the Downers Grove Fire Department were unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary results of autopsy showed "electrocution consistent with a lightning strike," according to the DuPage County Coroner's Office.

Dizon's parents told reporters Friday that she had dropped off her brother and sister at a dentist's office, and likely went to the park, which is located near their home, to write in her journal.

Dizon's death came just days before her graduation from Benet, which is scheduled for Sunday. She was an honor student and member of the color guard, and planned to study theater at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

Benet Academy released the following statement Friday morning:

"Benet Academy is mourning the loss of senior Jennie Dizon, daughter of Eric and Marietta Dizon and sister of Emmeline '15 and Michael '17, 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."

Visitation for Dizon will be held at Hallowell and James Funeral Home, 301 75th St. in Downers Grove, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday. A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Scholastica Church, 7800 Janes Ave. in Woodridge.


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