Lightning in Mercer County, Illinois

One bolt of lighting touched down well in advance of an ordinary thunderstorm. The bolt struck and killed an eight year old boy who was playing quietly alone in his backyard. The boy was found near a tree and just feet from his home and while medical assistance arrived very quickly, they were unable to revive him. No rain occurred in the immediate area and an eyewitness reported that this was the only bolt of lightning, so there was no cause for alarm prior to the strike.