local
Tornado kills woman as neighbors try desperately to save her
By Devin Kidd, Debra Worley at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· 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 Midland
The devastating loss of life in Jefferson County, Illinois, is a stark reminder of the dangers of severe weather, a threat Midland residents are all too familiar with. As a community that lies in the heart of Tornado Alley, Midlanders know that tornadoes can strike with little warning, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake. The heroic efforts of Rodney Gass and his family to rescue their neighbor, Delores Shelton, serve as a testament to the importance of community and the need for swift action in the face of severe weather. As Midland continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that residents remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during severe weather events. The city's emergency management systems and warning protocols are in place to protect residents, but it is equally important for individuals to take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of those around them.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Devin Kidd, Debra Worley at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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