Authorities have identified the man found deceased in a damaged Aroma Park home following Tuesday’s EF-3 tornado as Maurice Norington. Officials said his death appears to be linked to injuries sustained during the storm.
The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Norington was discovered by a service company working to clear the affected area. Deputies were notified of the find around 4:25 p.m. on Thursday, and the Kankakee County Coroner, Bob Gessner, later confirmed the death.
The powerful tornado, with peak winds reaching 150 miles per hour, swept through Kankakee County as part of severe storms impacting multiple counties in northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana. It caused significant damage in Aroma Park and surrounding areas, with reports showing 500 buildings damaged and 30 homes completely destroyed.
In response to the destruction, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey declared a state of emergency on Wednesday to address the storm’s aftermath and support recovery efforts.
Community members and local authorities continue to assess the damage, provide assistance, and ensure safety across the impacted region.
How is your area preparing for severe weather, and what steps can residents take to stay safe?
