A 16-year-old girl in Florida tragically lost her life after being struck by lightning while hunting with her father. The incident occurred when lightning struck a tree, hitting both the girl and her father. The father lost consciousness, but upon waking up, he discovered that his daughter was not breathing. He immediately called 911 and initiated CPR. The teenager was taken to a hospital and later transferred to a trauma center, where she remained in critical condition. Sadly, on Thursday, it was announced that she had passed away surrounded by her family.
Baylee Holbrook, the young victim, was described as a junior at Palatka Jr.-Sr. High School, where she was a cheerleader and had a passion for photography. She greatly enjoyed hunting with her father and was known for her kind-hearted nature. The news of her tragic death has deeply impacted the community, prompting an outpouring of support and prayer. Throughout this difficult time, the family has requested privacy and asked for people to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
The Putnam County School District organized a prayer event on Wednesday, known as “See You at The Pole,” where students were asked to pray for Holbrook. Additionally, Trinity Baptist Church in Palatka shared a touching Facebook post announcing her entry “into the arms of Jesus.” Holbrook’s father, Matthew Holbrook, expressed his grief on social media, paying tribute to his daughter and acknowledging the profound impact she had on his life. He found solace in the knowledge that she is now in the care of a higher power and will continue to touch the lives of many.