MCKINNEY, Texas – Husband and father of three, Spencer Loalbo, was enjoying a day of golfing with his father on June 8th when lightning struck out of nowhere, killing him, hours before severe storms were expected to hit the area.
Golf Course Strike
The lightning reportedly followed a single storm cloud moving over The Bridges Golf Club in McKinney. Loalbo’s wife, Kaylee Loalbo, told NBC DFW that the strike “came out of nowhere.”
Loalbo’s father was also injured and is currently hospitalized at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in McKinney.
Lightning Facts and Safety
According to the National Weather Service, the odds of being struck by lightning are VERY small. Only 1 person in 1.22 million is struck by lightning each year.
A small piece of advice from Weather.gov is to familiarize yourself with the 30/30 Lightning Rule. I’d never heard of it until now, and it’s a great way to keep yourself safe during crazy storms. Here’s how it works: When you see lightning, count how long until you hear thunder. If it takes 30 seconds or less until you hear it, seek shelter.
Mother Nature
Sadly, that rule would have been of no use to the man killed on the golf course. He probably thought he had nothing to worry about. Who wouldn’t? Sometimes, Mother Nature is just very cruel. This was one of those times…