A tragic event unfolded in Lake Village, Indiana, on the evening of March 10, 2026, when an intense tornado tore through the area, claiming the lives of an elderly couple. The victims have been identified as Edward L. Kozlowski, aged 89, and his wife, Arlene Kozlowski, who was 84. This sad incident has left a deep impact on the community as family and friends remember the couple for their kindness and warmth.
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The Newton County Coroner’s Office confirmed that the preliminary cause of death for the Kozlowskis is attributed to “multiple blunt force trauma.” An autopsy has been scheduled for Friday, March 13, to provide further details. Initially, the extent of the tornado’s damage has been classified as EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, indicating severe damage with wind speeds ranging from 136 to 165 mph.
Details regarding the couple have emerged, highlighting their enduring love and devotion to one another. The Kozlowskis were married for over 60 years and were known for their close-knit family, which includes four children, seven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Their son-in-law, Steve Rhefeldt, described the couple as “wonderful, just really wonderful human beings,” illustrating the profound loss felt by their family and friends. He recalled Edward as a “tough old guy” and Arlene as a “sweet old lady,” adding a personal touch to the couple’s legacy.
The tornado that struck Lake Village was part of a larger weather system, which the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed to be a family of twisters spawned by a supercell thunderstorm traversing northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana. This particular tornado covered a distance of approximately 36.6 miles, originating in Aroma Park, Illinois, and ending near DeMotte, Indiana. Preliminary evaluations indicated the storm also produced EF-2 damage in the vicinity of Lake Village.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the severity of the storm, with many residents caught off guard by the suddenness of the tornado. As part of that storm system, reports indicated the presence of exceptionally large hail, including one hailstone measured at an astonishing 6 inches in diameter, which could set a state record for Illinois. Severe weather was prevalent across a wide swath of the central United States that day, contributing to the chaos and destruction experienced in Indiana.
Fortunately, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office announced on March 11 that, apart from the tragic loss of the Kozlowski couple, there were no further significant injuries reported from the severe weather event. Authorities are continuing to assess the damage caused by the tornado and are working to support the affected communities in the aftermath of the storm.
In this time of grief, the community of Lake Village has come together to remember the Kozlowskis, reflecting on their life and contributions. As they prepare to celebrate what would have been Edward’s 90th birthday this month, their family has expressed both heartache and gratitude for the loving memories they shared.
The impact of this tragedy extends beyond just the loss of two individuals; it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the importance of community resilience. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as the season of severe weather approaches.
As the community rallies together in support of those affected, the legacy of Edward and Arlene Kozlowski will persist through the hearts of their loved ones, embodying the spirit of kindness that defined their lives.