Dad dies days after being struck by lightning trying to seek shelter from storm
A Dad who was struck by lightning while playing golf has died, his family has confirmed.
Dirk Kotze, 56, from Australia, was left fighting for his life after being struck by lightning while trying to find shelter on a golf course at Brendale in Brisbane's north.
Kotze had spent 19 days in hospital after suffering from a cardiac arrest after being struck.
But sadly, his family confirmed that he had passed away on Thursday morning (March 30) surrounded by family.
He is survived by his wife Hannelé, daughter Dané, and his two sons Tiaan and Duan.
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On the GoFundMe page created in honour of Dad, the family wrote: "It is with great sadness we share the news that Dirk Kotze, 56, passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by loved ones.
"The trauma sustained by both the lightning strike and subsequent cardiac arrest was too significant for his body to recover.
Kotze had been playing a course at Brendale in Brisbane's north (Nine)"His family takes great comfort in knowing he is now at peace and sustained by his great faith in God with the knowledge of his final destination."
The family thanked the community and the medical professionals "who worked tirelessly to save his life."
Kotze was described as a man with a big personality and best known for his "faith in God, love for people and for being the epitome of a ‘shirt off the back’ kind of man."
They added: "there was no one in need he wouldn’t put his own life on hold to help out. His life has impacted many and he won’t soon be forgotten."
A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay medical bills and help with his daughter's education.
Just earlier this year in January, an eight-year-old boy had been hospitalised after being struck by lightning while swimming
Kotze spent 19 days in Royal Brisbane and Women's hospital fighting for life (Facebook)The boy had gone swimming at a popular New South Wales beach on Australia Day.
It is said that the child has scars and burns on his chest and he was unconscious and not breathing when lifeguards dragged him out of the water.
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The child received CPR and was rushed to Westmead Hospital under a police escort and was last reported to have remained in critical but stable condition.
Before Kotze's death, several thunderstorms had been spotted around southeast Queensland and residents were warned to avoid unnecessary travel due to lightning and flash flooding risks.
The State Emergency Service warned that damaging winds and large hailstones were likely and advised residents to move their cars under cover or away from trees, unplug computers and appliances, avoid using their phones and stay indoors away from windows.
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