The family of a mother who was killed by lightning while picking her kids up from school is suing the school board.
Andrew Tedesco is pursuing legal action after his wife, Nicole Tedesco, tragically passed away in August 2022, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. He is reportedly seeking damages up to $50,000.
The lawsuit alleges that Nicole was struck by lightning while collecting her children from Keeth Elementary School in Seminole County.
WKMG-TV reports that the lightning bolt hit Nicole as her daughters were approaching her, resulting in her death and allegedly causing severe injuries to the girls and the family dog.
The legal complaint contends that parents are compelled to wait outside during dismissal in an area exposed to rain, thunderstorms, and other extreme weather conditions, with no adequate protection available.
It also suggests that the incident transpired during a time of year prone to heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning strikes, asserting that such risks should have been foreseeable to the authorities.
Chief Matthew Tract of the Winter Springs police, commenting on the incident at the time, described how the storm quickly intensified.
"It was, 'Bang!' just like that. Little bit of rain came, lightning and then it was just pure mayhem after that," Tract stated, as reported by WKMG.
The lawsuit places blame on the school board, accusing it of negligence for failing to acknowledge the clear danger posed by the weather conditions and for creating an unsafe environment on the premises.
Additionally, the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners faces allegations of negligence, with the lawsuit arguing that they had a legal obligation to ensure Nicole and her family's safety while they were lawfully on the property.
Nicole, described as a beloved preschool and Sunday School teacher, left a lasting impact on those around her. Her obituary reflects on her sweet and gentle nature, as well as her profound influence on her friends and family.
Her daughter Ava paid a heartfelt tribute in her obituary, stating: "She was the best mom a kid could ask for. She would always be there for her girls. She would cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She was the best baker. Any time she made anything it would turn out great. She always had a plan for everything."
According to the National Weather Service, around 20 people are killed by lightning in the US each year, while hundreds more sustain injuries.
Lightning strikes can also cause people to have lifelong neurological damage.