Florida couple survives lightning strike while walking hand in hand

A Florida couple survived being struck by lightning while walking hand in hand along the West Orange Trail in central Florida on September 2. Aaron Walenga, 48, and his wife, Clare Walenga, 43, had just dropped their children off at church when they were hit by the bolt.

Clare was not breathing after the strike, prompting nearby runners to call 911 and begin CPR. Michael Weyand said he had never performed CPR before, but started chest compressions after realizing Clare was not breathing. She eventually took a breath just before mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was about to begin.

Both Aaron and Clare were hospitalized. Clare suffered a concussion, while Aaron had bruises on his face and said he was unable to move because of the pain immediately after the strike. The couple later thanked the four people who came to their aid, crediting them with helping save their lives.