Teen Dies After Lightning Strike While Seeking Shelter
On July 25, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in downtown St. Petersburg when 16-year-old Ashley King was struck by lightning while standing under a banyan tree with her friends. Emergency responders arrived to find two teens injured on the ground, while others approached to request help. Ashley suffered severe brain damage after going into cardiac arrest for 15 minutes, but paramedics managed to revive her pulse during transport to the hospital. Despite receiving around-the-clock care, she passed away nearly a month later due to the extent of her injuries.
Her father, Joseph King, is now advocating for greater awareness of the dangers associated with seeking shelter under trees during thunderstorms. He urges the community to take lightning threats seriously, especially in Florida, where storms can develop rapidly. The incident underscores the importance of lightning safety and the potential risks involved in seeking refuge in inappropriate locations. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the need for caution during storms.