local
Tornado kills woman as neighbors try desperately to save her
By Devin Kidd, Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
The tragic loss of life in Jefferson County, Illinois, is a stark reminder of the devastating power of tornadoes. While Laredo , Texas, is not typically known for its tornado activity, the city is not immune to severe weather events. As the community reflects on this incident, it's crucial to consider the importance of emergency preparedness and response. In Webb County, where Laredo is located, residents should be aware of the warning systems in place and take all alerts seriously. The story of Delores Shelton's neighbors, who risked their lives to try and save her, underscores the need for swift action in the face of severe weather. As Laredo continues to grow and develop, it's essential that residents and city officials prioritize emergency planning and education to minimize the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a disaster.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Devin Kidd, Debra Worley at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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