Davie, FL – A peaceful Sunday morning turned tragic when a 19-year-old jogger was struck by lightning at Vista View Park in Davie, leading to his untimely death.
The victim, identified as Ethan Lawrence, a resident of Broward County, was out for his regular run when the incident occurred. Davie Police officers responded to a 911 call shortly before 11 a.m. about a person down, possibly struck by lightning. Upon arrival at the park located at 4001 SW 142nd Ave., they found Lawrence already dead.
Lawrence was an avid runner, according to social media. His father, Patrick Lawrence, expressed his grief on Facebook, stating that Ethan was “out doing what he loved” when he died. He requested prayers for his son and his family, adding, “We will miss him and never forget the amazing 19 years he gave us”.
The incident occurred as storms moved through South Florida. The National Weather Service Miami had warned of storms and lightning in a forecast just after 2 a.m. that day. They had also warned about a strong thunderstorm in inland Broward just after 10 a.m., shortly before the 911 call.