Teen Killed by Lightning Strike While Biking in Florida: Grief Counselling at School

A tragic incident occurred in Florida where a 16-year-old boy lost his life after suffering a suspected lightning strike while riding his bicycle. The Pembroke Pines Police Department reported the incident, and the preliminary information indicated that the boy was likely struck by lightning. The identity of the boy has not been disclosed as of yet.

Florida teen dead after being struck

The boy was discovered lying in the grass in the vicinity of Southwest 67th Avenue and Southwest 6th Street in Pembroke Pines, a city located approximately 22 miles north of Miami. He was promptly transported to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. According to the police statement to NBC News, the preliminary findings suggested that he had been struck by a lightning bolt.

Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue officials revealed to NBC South Florida that the boy sustained burn wounds on his chest and inner thighs. Additionally, neighbors reported the presence of a hole in the pavement near the location where the boy was found, which was not there prior to the storm. Strong winds and heavy rain were captured on doorbell video around 5 p.m. that day.

Zandra Laguna, a resident of the neighborhood, recounted to NBC South Florida that she saw the boy riding his bike just moments before a lightning strike. She described the sound of the strike as extraordinarily loud and the flash as blinding, leading her to momentarily believe she had been hit. Expressing her shock, she remarked that such a tragedy was an unimaginable occurrence.

School Administrative Response

Officials at McArthur High School in Hollywood, Florida, revealed that the boy was an 11th grader at the institution. In light of the unfortunate event, Principal Mark Howard communicated with parents and staff, expressing condolences and assuring them that grief counselors would be available on campus for as long as deemed necessary. He conveyed deep sympathy to the student's family, friends, educators, and fellow students, acknowledging the significant impact the loss would have on the school's community.