Girl, 16, struck by lightning while hunting with dad dies of her injuries

28 September 2023 , 20:13

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Baylee Holbrook, 16, died of her injuries after being struck by lightning while out hunting with her dad (Image: WJXT News4Jax)

A teenager who was struck by lightning while out hunting with her father has died of her injuries, officials have confirmed today.

16-year-old Baylee Holdbrook and her dad were out hunting in Putnam County, Florida, when a bolt of lightning struck a tree. It then fell on the pair, according to local law enforcement.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Department said in a statement: "The father lost consciousness and when he awoke discovered the 16-year-old not breathing."

Baylee's dad called 911 and started performing CPR until help arrived. She was rushed to HCA Florida Putnam Hospital where she was stabilised before being taken to UF Health Shands in a critical condition.

Baylee loved hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors (Holbrook Family)

Putnam County Sheriff's deputies said Baylee died surrounded by her family at the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. Following her death, Trinity Baptist Church posted: "All athletic events for Palatka High School have been cancelled for tonight.

Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him

"All are invited for a time of fellowship and prayer at the CL Overturf auditorium all day today. We are in prayer for the Holbrooke family and reflecting as well as sharing."

Her classmates came together yesterday morning, Wednesday, to pray for the Palatka Junio-Senior High School student's recovery.

Later that night, the community came together to hold a vigil in her honour at the school gym. Family spokesperson Willie McKinnon said: "As I got off of that elevator last night inside of Shands in Gainesville, I looked and I see the hallways lined with people praying.

"This community, when one of their own is hurt, they come out in full force to support them."

The teen was described as a shining light whose smile could light up a room (Holbrook Family)

Willie, a friend and pastor, also said: "She cares so much about everyone else. She has a heart for her friends, people she loves, people she comes in contact with she has a heart for people in general."

Rain didn't keep students, parents, and community members from coming together to pray for Baylee. Friend Cartayveon Valentine said: "It hit me when we were up in there and everybody was emotional."

"I've grown up with the family and watched her grow up, it's tough to see her down," said Makenzie Hutchinson. Baylee was a varsity cheerleader with her teammates saying she could light up a room with her smile and the turnout to her vigil shows the impact the teen had on the community.

Her cheer team are planning to honour her memory by wearing her favourite colour, green, ribbons and bows for their game on Friday. Kaitlyn Sanders said: "She's hilarious, she always comes on with a smile on her face, she could be battling the worst day, but she comes on with a smile on her face."

Hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors is a bond shared by multiple of Baylee's family members, including her cousin. Speaking to local media at her vigil he said: "It's like a brother-sister relationship, we hunt, fish, all sorts of things like that. She's a fighter and I know she will stay in this and I love you Baylee."

Fiona Leishman