Family and friends bid a heartfelt farewell to Adrián García, a 25-year-old Cuban man who tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning at a beach in Naples, Florida.
During the funeral, a touching tribute was read by his grandmother, Lázara Rojas. She remembered Adrián as her first grandchild, whom she loved deeply. "Today, God and life test me with the hardest challenge, having to part from your body and soul, but never from this immense love," her message said.
Mrs. Rojas expressed gratitude to everyone who tried to save him: those at the beach who immediately offered their assistance, the doctors who treated him at the hospital, and all who prayed for his recovery. "To this great country for welcoming us and giving you the chance to achieve all you set out to do, and for providing all the care you needed in this difficult moment," she added.
Adrián had been in the United States for just two years. According to Lázara, he arrived in the country after crossing multiple borders and quickly found two jobs to support himself. "In two years, he got his residency, bought a car, secured a good job, and wanted to advance further by studying English," she recounted.
The victim's mother also expressed her thanks to those who offered financial support to the family in statements to journalist Javier Díaz of Univision. "I am grateful to everyone who helped in any way, allowing me to watch over my son, to bury him, and to visit him whenever I wish. To all who donated, who prayed for him, I am eternally thankful for everything done for my son, which I will never forget," she said tearfully.
Adrián passed away on Saturday, September 14, at the hospital where he had been admitted. Despite being kept on life support, he did not recover due to severe brain damage caused by the lightning strike.
The tragic event occurred on Saturday, August 31. After a brief rain shower, the Cuban family entered the ocean, thinking it was safe as there were no visible thunderstorms and the sun was beginning to shine. They were all close together in the water when the lightning struck unexpectedly. Three people were hit by the lightning, but only Adrián sustained serious injuries. The other two quickly recovered.