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Lake Village Today
By the People, for the People
Elderly Couple Killed in Indiana Tornado
Ed and Arlene Kozlowski, both in their 80s, died when a tornado struck their home in Lake Village.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:54pm
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A married couple in their late 80s, Ed and Arlene Kozlowski, were killed when a tornado struck their home in Lake Village, Indiana on Monday night. The couple, described by their family as a "tough old guy and sweet old lady", had four children and seven grandchildren. Their home was destroyed in the storm, which also caused extensive damage across the small town.
Why it matters
The deaths of Ed and Arlene Kozlowski highlight the tragic human toll of severe weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Their story also underscores the vulnerability of elderly residents during natural disasters, and the importance of community preparedness and resilience.
The details
According to officials, more than 100 buildings were damaged and over 30 were destroyed in Lake Village during the severe storms on Monday night. Eyewitness Steven Travis described the terrifying moment the tornado ripped through his neighborhood, lifting the roof off his home and leaving debris everywhere.
- The tornadoes struck Lake Village, Indiana late on Monday, March 11, 2026.
- An autopsy on the Kozlowskis is scheduled for Friday, March 15, 2026.
The players
Ed Kozlowski
An 89-year-old man who was killed when a tornado destroyed his home in Lake Village, Indiana.
Arlene Kozlowski
An 86-year-old woman who was killed when a tornado destroyed her home in Lake Village, Indiana.
Steve Rhefeldt
The son-in-law of Ed and Arlene Kozlowski, who described the couple as a "tough old guy and sweet old lady".
Steven Travis
A resident of Lake Village, Indiana who witnessed the tornado and took shelter in a closet as his home was destroyed.
Newton County
The county in Indiana where the town of Lake Village is located, which suffered extensive damage from the storms.
What they’re saying
“They were wonderful, just really wonderful human beings. You know, tough old guy and sweet old lady.”
— Steve Rhefeldt, Son-in-law of Ed and Arlene Kozlowski (CBS Chicago)
“I was looking out the front window and I seen a dumpster fly by; that's when I went for cover. I went to the bedroom. The roof lifted off, the ceiling come down, knocked me down, I climbed into the closet.”
— Steven Travis, Lake Village resident (CBS Chicago)
What’s next
An autopsy is scheduled for Friday, March 15, 2026 to determine the exact cause of death for Ed and Arlene Kozlowski.
The takeaway
The tragic deaths of Ed and Arlene Kozlowski serve as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact severe weather events can have on vulnerable populations, especially the elderly. This incident underscores the need for improved community preparedness and resilience planning to protect at-risk residents during natural disasters.
