Elderly Couple Killed in Indiana Tornado Days Before Husband's 90th Birthday

Edward and Arlene Kozlowski were married for over 60 years and were preparing to celebrate his milestone birthday when the deadly twister struck.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:38pm

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Edward L. Kozlowski, 89, and his wife Arlene Kozlowski, 84, were killed when a tornado destroyed their home in Lake Village, Indiana on March 10. The couple had been married for over 60 years and were preparing to celebrate Edward's 90th birthday. Family members described the Kozlowskis as "really awesome humans" and "wonderful, just really wonderful human beings."

Why it matters

The tragic deaths of the Kozlowskis highlight the devastating impact of severe weather events, which have become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Their story also underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters.

The details

According to officials, the Kozlowskis died from multiple blunt force trauma after a large tornado swept through Lake Village and destroyed their home. The tornado has been preliminarily rated as an EF-3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with additional EF-2 damage found in the Lake Village area. The National Weather Service said the storm that produced the fatal tornado also generated exceptionally large hail, including a 6-inch diameter hailstone that may have set an Illinois state record.

  • The tornado struck the Kozlowskis' home in Lake Village, Indiana on the evening of Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
  • An autopsy for the Kozlowskis was scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office in Lafayette.

The players

Edward L. Kozlowski

An 89-year-old man who was killed along with his wife in the tornado that struck their home in Lake Village, Indiana.

Arlene Kozlowski

An 84-year-old woman who was killed along with her husband in the tornado that struck their home in Lake Village, Indiana.

Steve Rhefeldt

The son-in-law of the Kozlowskis, who described the couple as "really awesome humans" and "wonderful, just really wonderful human beings."

National Weather Service in Chicago

The agency that provided the preliminary rating of EF-3 for the tornado that struck the Kozlowskis' home, as well as details about the exceptionally large hail generated by the storm.

Newton County Sheriff's Office

The office that announced no additional significant injuries were reported from the severe weather that struck on March 10.

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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 (NBC News)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to investigate the tornado that struck the Kozlowskis' home, and may provide a final rating and additional details about the storm in the coming days.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of the Kozlowskis serve as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of severe weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Their story underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural disasters, as well as the need for continued research and investment in weather forecasting and early warning systems to help protect vulnerable populations.