Residents in Winter Springs have begun crafting a memorial for Nicole Tesdeco, the 42-year-old mother of two who died Thursday after being struck by lightning.

Tedesco was picking up her children from school with the lightning hit.

“It was terrifying,” said Jessica Cheshire while dropping flowers off at a tribute to Tedesco where the incident happened.

Cheshire is one of the mothers who was right next to that fatal lightning strike and said the location is a popular spot for parents to pick up their children after being released from school.

“The boom was huge," she said. "We didn’t know what got hit or who got hit. I look over and see a guy doing CPR on somebody."

Nearby residents have started to drop off notes and flowers at the site where the incident happened.

Cheshire says she and her neighbors will help Nicole’s family get through this challenging time in any way they can. Whether sending thoughts and prayers or placing flowers near the accident site, she says it’s a community that is close and will rally to show support. 

“We all look out for each other and see a fellow mom you’ve served on the PTA with and worked book fair with, and see that happen," Cheshire said. "It’s really really hard.”

After witnessing the tragic accident herself, one change that Cheshire says she wants to see is more vital protocols from schools when there’s a storm during dismissal.

She believes better communication could prevent a tragedy like this from happening again.

Seminole County Public Schools released a statement saying a careful review of policies, procedures, and practices relating to the event will be conducted to ensure all necessary actions are taken to protect students and staff.

“There’s got to be something done here to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Cheshire said.