High School Student Killed By Apparent Lightning Strike On His Way Home From Band Practice

A 16-year-old high school boy, Cameron Day died on September 18 on his way home from band practice. It is believed he was struck down by lightning. The investigation is still pending.

Day was biking home from practice on September 18 in Pembroke Pines (a suburb of Miami, Florida) when he took cover under a tree. He went into cardiac arrest, and it is believed he was struck by lightning, which caused the cardiac arrest according to PEOPLE and CBS WFOR.

First responders found Day lying in a wetland area, he was in the grass under a tree and not moving.He was transported to Memorial Hospital Regional, where he was later pronounced dead, per WFOR. There were burn marks on his chest and inner thighs according to first responders.

Zandra Laguna, who lives across the street from where he stopped, recalled seeing him just before the storm rolled in.

“Then all of a sudden, there was a huge lightning that struck. I went inside because it was really, really loud. I got scared,” Laguna told CBS news.

A few minutes later, she stepped back outside, only to see an ambulance had already arrived.

“I saw the rescue stop right in front of where that boy was, and then I see them picking him up from the floor, and he just looked like, I had a feeling it was that the lightning struck him because it was instantly like from one minute to the next,” said Laguna.

Day’s parents were proud of him because he was diagnosed with autism and was doing well and excelling. He played Tuba at his high school and was a member of  Florida Atlantic University Upward Bound Math and Science TRIO Program.

A GoFundMe campaign was organized by the school’s band on behalf of Day’s family.

Day is described as “ He was a bright light and sweet soul who touched the lives of so many. His passion for music, leadership, and unwavering love for his bandmates and band, McArthur’s Herd of Sound made him an integral part of our family. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend—someone who brought joy and inspiration to everyone around him.”

Rest In Peace.