Body camera footage from Winter Garden Police reveals the harrowing moments when officers and bystanders rushed to assist a couple struck by lightning while walking along the West Orange Trail in central Florida.
The video, which was released by FOX 35 Orlando, documents the incident that took place on the evening of September 2nd.
The victims, identified as Aaron and Clare Walenga, were hospitalized following the lightning strike.
Upon arrival, officers found Aaron on the ground, suffering from a severe head injury and having difficulty responding.
Nearby, Clare was also injured and, according to witnesses, initially unconscious. A bystander had already begun assisting her.
911 calls that were released earlier revealed that an emergency operator guided a witness on performing chest compressions until first responders could arrive.
The couple was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
Two days later, friends and family reported that both Aaron and Clare were conscious, talking, and showing signs of recovery.
The Walengas had been walking the trail when a storm struck the area.
FOX 35's radar detected three cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in the vicinity between 7:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., one of which was near the West Orange Trail, where the emergency occurred.
Lightning Strikes: A Deadly Pattern
Unlike the Walenga's fortunate outcome, another incident occurred days later in central Florida with a tragic ending.
Matthew Eric Jenkins, a 20-year-old participating in the Disney College Program, died after an apparent lightning strike in Celebration. He was found unconscious on a trail and later passed away at the hospital.
In August, a mother and her two-year-old son lost their lives in Margate, Broward County, after being struck by lightning. Despite emergency teams' efforts to revive them, they both died shortly after being taken to hospitals.
A month earlier, a man was killed and three others were injured near Fort Myers Beach when a single lightning strike hit the area where they were swimming.
Understanding Lightning Safety
How can people protect themselves from lightning strikes?
To stay safe from lightning, seek shelter indoors during a storm, avoid open fields, and stay away from tall structures like trees. It's also crucial to stay updated on weather alerts.
What should you do if someone is struck by lightning?
Immediately call 911 and begin CPR if the person is unresponsive or not breathing. It's safe to touch them as they do not carry an electrical charge.