local
Tornado kills woman as neighbors try desperately to save her
By Devin Kidd, Debra Worley at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 23, 2026
· 2 min read
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS/Gray News) - A woman died Monday when a tornado destroyed her home as her neighbor attempted to rescue her.Delores Shelton was killed when the tornado struck her Jefferson County home. Rodney Gass, who had lived next door to Shelton for 35 years, tried to reach her as...
Key takeaway Rodney Gass, who had lived next door to Shelton for 35 years, tried to reach her as the storm approached.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The devastating loss of life in Jefferson County, Illinois, is a stark reminder of the destructive power of tornadoes that can affect communities in the Nashville area as well. While this tragedy occurred outside of Davidson County, the threat of severe weather is a common concern for residents in the region. The heroic efforts of Rodney Gass and his family to rescue their neighbor, Delores Shelton, underscore the importance of community and the need for swift action in emergency situations. As Nashville residents reflect on this tragedy, they should take heed of Gass's warning to take warnings seriously and be prepared to act quickly in the face of severe weather. The city's emergency management systems and warning protocols are critical in saving lives, and residents should stay informed and vigilant to respond to potential threats. By learning from this tragic event, Nashville can reinforce its own emergency preparedness and community resilience.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS/Gray News) - A woman died Monday when a tornado destroyed her home as her neighbor attempted to rescue her.Delores Shelton was killed when the tornado struck her Jefferson County home. Rodney Gass, who had lived next door to Shelton for 35 years, tried to reach her as...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Devin Kidd, Debra Worley at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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