WASHINGTON – DC Police have confirmed three deaths after four people were struck by lightning near the White House on Thursday evening.
The Metropolitan Police Department reported that James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died of their injuries after a lightning strike in Lafayette Park, which is directly outside the White House complex.
The couple were high school sweethearts who were in D.C. for their 56th wedding anniversary, according to family.
This is Jim and Donna Mueller, killed by last night’s lightning strike. High school sweethearts. Jim; a business owner, Donna a teacher. 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren left behind. #Fox5DC pic.twitter.com/DfblKRRsij
— David Kaplan (@DKaplanFox5DC) August 5, 2022
The MPD announced Friday afternoon that a 29-year-old man died as a result of his injuries from the lightning strike. Brooks A. Lambertson of Los Angeles, California, was identified by police. Lambertson is not related to the couple who died, according to police.
The 29-year-old was in D.C. on business, according to Lamberston’s employer, City National Bank. The company described him as a “incredible young man who will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, and unwavering positivity” in a press release.
A fourth victim, a woman, is still critically ill. The identity of that individual was not immediately revealed.
The lightning strike was witnessed by members of the US Park Police and the Secret Service at the park in the 1600 block of Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
They stated that they immediately contacted D.C. Fire and EMS, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department.
D.C. Fire and EMS spokesperson Vito Maggiolo said the call came in at 6:52 p.m.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, they were notified one minute earlier.
Officers arrived at the scene and discovered two men and two women unconscious.
U.S. Park Police and members of the Secret Service administered CPR and AED.
“What I want to do is thank them because their agents, their officers witnessed this lightning strike and immediately began to render aid to the four victims which is very critical in helping with survivability,” Maggiolo said.
