Lightning Strike Kills Benet Senior in Downers Grove

Police have confirmed that a 17-year-old girl from Downers Grove was killed by lightning strike in O'Brien Park on Thursday night.

Jennie Dizon, a senior at Benet Academy in Lisle, was pronounced dead around 5:45 p.m. after she was found by a passerby at the park, 6909 S. Dunham Road, just east of the sled hill, according to Lt. Mike Willison.

Dizon was found unconscious and not breathing when police arrived around 5:21 p.m.. Paramedics from the Downers Grove Fire Department were unable to revive her, Willison said. 

Preliminary results of autopsy Friday showed electrocution consistent with a lightning strike, according to the DuPage County Coroner's Office.

Benet Academy released the following statement Friday:

"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."