Cameron Day, Pembroke Pines, Florida teen killed by lightning strike while riding bike during sudden torrential downpour. But what were the odds of being struck?
What were the chances? A Florida teen has died in an apparent lightning strike while riding his bike after sudden torrential downpour led to the teen seeking refuge under a tree, only to be fatally struck by a thunder.
Cameron Day, 16, a junior at McArthur High School decided to hide from the storm underneath a tree, and was last seen on doorbell footage sitting on his bike waiting for it to pass.
Pembroke Pines authorities stated on Wednesday finding the teen lying in the grass in the rain on his bicycle and not moving.
Emergency crews raced to the scene were Day was treated for cardiac arrest, the teen was then rushed to hospital where he died.
The teen was observed with burn wounds to his chest and inner thighs after lightning was seen in the area.
Local10 captured images at the scene shows chunks of missing sidewalk where the lightning struck.
According to his family, Day was the youngest of four children and the only boy. He had also been diagnosed with autism at a young age.
‘She [Day’s mother] faces the unimaginable loss of her son, Cameron Day. Cameron was only 16 years old and in 11th grade,’ friends and family shared in the aftermath of the tragedy. ‘He was a bright light and sweet soul who touched the lives of so many.’
There was reported stormy weather in South Florida on the day of the lightning strike.
Day’s friends and family said the teen was in the school band.
‘His passion for music, leadership, and unwavering love for his bandmates … McArthur’s Herd of Sound made him an integral part of their family,’ loved ones shared. ‘He was a beloved son, brother, and friend — someone who brought joy and inspiration to everyone around him.’
Friends and family have started a GoFundMe to help the Day family with funeral expenses.
According to the National Weather Service, Florida leads the nation in lightning-related deaths – with around 30 people killed each year in the state.
- Geography: Florida’s warm temperatures and abundant water create an environment that’s ideal for thunderstorms, which produce lightning.
- Lightning-prone areas: The Miami-Fort Lauderdale area is considered the most lightning-prone area in the country.
- Lightning season: July is the month with the most lightning in Florida.
- Lightning deaths: Florida has had more fatal lightning strikes than any other state since 2006.
- Lightning injuries: Florida has had more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years.
- Lightning claims: Florida has the highest number of home insurance claims due to lightning.
