Two boys die after freak lightning strike capsized their rowing boat
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Lightning strikes two boys – including one on his 12th birthday – after they capsize their rowboat on Lake Orlando
- Lightning strike capsized a boat with a team of five boys
- Gavin Christman, 13, and Langston Rodriguez-Sane, 12, were thrown overboard
- Gavin was missing for about 24 hours before his body was discovered
- Langston died in hospital on his 12th birthday, two weeks after the… incident
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Two young boys died after a lightning bolt capsized their boat while rowing in Orlando, Florida.
According to the Orlando Fire Department, five students were practicing on the lake when lightning struck, causing their ship to capsize.
The Five Guys were all thrown overboard – Gavin Christman, 13, missing and Langston Rodriguez-Sane, 12, in critical prerequisite.
Three rowing teammates, also on board, raised the boat and were able to bring Langston to the shore with the help of their coach.
Langston spent two weeks in the hospital before dying of his injuries on his 12th birthday.
Gavin went missing for a day before emergency services found his body 24 hours later.
Forecasts showed precipitation but no lightning warnings on the day of the accident.
“We’re not sure if it hit the ship or if it was nearby,” Orlando Fire Department deputy chief Ian Davis said.
The storm happened on September 15, but the two boys have only recently been identified.
Langston Rodriguez-Sane, 12, spent two weeks in hospital before dying after a lightning strike occurred where five members of a rowing team were practicing in Orlando
Gavin Christman, 13, went missing for 24 hours before his body was found in Lake Fairview
Members of the rowing community gathered after the tragedy to review safety procedures, Fox35 reported.
Coach Bill Zack said he would like to see lightning detectors installed to detect a potential strike minutes before one happens at the lake.
“We want to highlight the beauty and joy that Gavin and Langston have brought to this world,” said the… GoFundMe Page.
“Gavin’s warm eyes and loving heart reached the soul of every person he met. He had a sensitivity and insight far surpassing his 13-year life. Gavin’s charming good looks, sharp intellect and quick wit made even the most mundane situations laugh.
Langston was a bright light in this world. He was welcomed into heaven on his 12th birthday when family and friends gathered to celebrate the infectious joy he brought to so many lives.
Langston had a playful sense of humor that made those around him laugh and smile, especially his big sister. He was unique and unapologetically himself.
The GoFundMe has raised $27,095 of its $40,000 goal so far, with 251 people donating.
In a Sept. 24 message, the nonprofit sports club North Orlando Rowing said: “With broken hearts, we share the passing of a second rower involved in last Thursday’s weather-related tragedy.
Stock image: A view of Lake Fairview, where lightning struck, is shown
The Orlando community placed flowers as a memorial to the two boys after the accident, which was set up outside the North Orlando Rowing Club
“The NOR community is devastated and continues to focus on supporting our affected families and our entire NOR team during this difficult time.
“We continue to work with local authorities and USRowing to investigate the incident.
“We cannot comment further until the investigation is complete.
“We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of love and concern from around the world. Please keep our families in your prayers.”
The Orlando community placed flowers as a memorial to the two boys after the accident, which was set up outside the rowing club.
