Falling ice injures two Meijer shoppers in Lexington

Chunks of ice fell from store roof, striking customers in the parking lot

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Two shoppers at a Meijer store in Lexington, Kentucky were hospitalized after chunks of ice fell from the store's roof and struck them in the parking lot. Shannon Leva required two staples in her head, while Ervin Coffey suffered a bruised spinal cord. The incident occurred as the two friends were loading groceries into an Uber after being stuck inside due to a recent winter storm.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the potential dangers posed by accumulating ice and snow on commercial building roofs, especially during severe winter weather. Meijer has since taken steps to address the issue, but the victims' injuries raise concerns about public safety and building maintenance protocols.

The details

As Shannon Leva and Ervin Coffey were loading groceries into an Uber parked under the store's awning, large chunks of ice fell from the roof and struck them on the head and neck. Leva described the ice as 'solid' and 'as big as' her head, while Coffey compared the impact to being hit by 'concrete blocks' or 'bricks'. Meijer employees responded quickly, calling an ambulance and providing first aid. Leva was taken to the hospital and required two staples in her head, while Coffey went home before meeting her at the hospital, where he was treated for a bruised spinal cord.

  • On Wednesday afternoon, January 29, 2026, the incident occurred in the Meijer parking lot.

The players

Shannon Leva

One of the two shoppers injured by the falling ice, who required two staples in her head.

Ervin Coffey

The other shopper injured by the falling ice, who suffered a bruised spinal cord.

Meijer

The grocery store chain where the incident occurred, which has since taken steps to address the issue by removing the icicles and blocking off the area.

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What they’re saying

“I'm standing there and all of the sudden something like that big and that wide, solid ice, landed on my head and busted my skull open.”

— Shannon Leva

“It felt like concrete blocks. I've never been hit by concrete blocks, but it was like bricks.”

— Ervin Coffey

“I kept saying, 'Am I going to die?'”

— Shannon Leva

What’s next

Meijer has said it will continue to monitor the situation and the condition of the injured customers as the unique winter weather continues.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder for both businesses and customers to be vigilant about potential hazards posed by accumulating ice and snow, especially during severe winter storms. Proper building maintenance and safety protocols are crucial to prevent similar accidents from occurring.