Authorities have identified a man who died after a powerful tornado struck Aroma Park, Illinois earlier this week, leaving widespread destruction across Kankakee County, Illinois.
Officials confirmed that Maurice Norington, 65, died from injuries believed to have been caused by the storm that swept through the region Tuesday.
Victim found inside damaged home
The Kankakee County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were notified around 4:25 p.m. Thursday after workers clearing debris discovered a body inside a severely damaged house in Aroma Park.
Bob Gessner, the Kankakee County coroner, later confirmed that the victim was Norington.
Family members had reportedly tried to reach him following the storm but were unable to make contact. Authorities conducted a welfare check and found him inside his home on Oakwood Drive, a street where several homes were heavily damaged or destroyed.
Family remembers veteran and horse enthusiast
Relatives described Norington as a U.S. Army veteran who spent many years working in the horse racing industry as a breeder and trainer.
He grew up in Kankakee County and graduated from St. Anne Community High School.
In a statement, his family said he valued strong relationships and remained deeply connected to his community.
His niece, Monique Norrington-Joseph, remembered him as a generous family member who helped support her education and opportunities.
Powerful tornado caused major damage
The storm system that moved through northern Illinois produced an EF-3 tornado with winds reaching about 150 miles per hour.
Officials reported that nearly 500 buildings across Kankakee County were damaged, including about 30 homes that were completely destroyed.
Mike Downey, sheriff of Kankakee County, declared a state of emergency following the severe storm damage.
Cleanup and recovery efforts continue across Aroma Park, where downed trees, debris and damaged structures remain widespread.
Strong winds continued to impact the area later in the week, making recovery efforts more difficult for crews working to clear the destruction.