A family in Florida is suing a school board following the tragic death of a mother who was struck by lightning while picking up her children in 2022. The lawsuit seeks more than $50,000 in damages after the incident at Keeth Elementary School in Seminole County.
The mother, Nicole Tedesco, was struck by lightning while her daughters were approaching her during dismissal. The lightning bolt tragically took Nicole's life and allegedly caused severe injuries to the girls and the family dog.
The lawsuit claims that parents waiting outside the school during dismissal are exposed to extreme weather conditions without any protection from rain, thunderstorms, or lightning. It argues that the lack of shelter put parents and children at foreseeable risk, especially during a time of year when such weather events are common.
According to the police chief, the storm that led to the incident arrived suddenly, catching everyone off guard. The lawsuit accuses the school board of negligence for failing to recognize the danger and failing to provide a safe environment for parents and children on school premises.
In addition to the school board, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners is also accused of negligence in connection to the case. The lawsuit claims that both entities had a legal duty to ensure the safety of individuals on the property.
Nicole Tedesco, the victim of the lightning strike, was described as a beloved preschool and Sunday School teacher with a gentle soul and a special touch that touched the lives of those around her. Her daughter Ava remembered her as the best mom a kid could ask for.
