Florida Couple Struck By Lightning While Walking Hand In Hand (Video)

A Florida couple have survived a terrifying lightning strike after they were hit while walking hand in hand along a trail in central Florida.

According to reports, Aaron Walenga, 48, and his wife of 17 years, Clare Walenga, 43, had just dropped their children off at church when they were struck by lightning while walking along the West Orange Trail on September 2.

The couple reportedly had no warning that a storm was approaching when the lightning struck. Clare was knocked unconscious and required immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while Aaron was left in severe pain and later hospitalised.

Their survival was aided by four members of a nearby running group who quickly responded after witnessing the incident.

Charlotte Sachetti Weyand and Amber McManus reportedly called emergency services, while Michael Weyand rushed to Clare’s aid after noticing that her skin had turned blue.

Michael said he checked whether Clare was breathing and discovered that she was not. Although he had never performed CPR before, he began chest compressions while waiting for emergency responders.

“I’ve never seen anybody that color in my life before,” he recalled. “I checked to see if she was breathing and she wasn’t.”

He added that he acted instinctively because he knew immediate action was necessary.

Clare received chest compressions and reportedly took a “massive breath” shortly before mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was about to begin.

Aaron, who was unable to reach his wife because of the pain caused by the lightning strike, later described the experience as the worst pain he had ever experienced.

“I wanted to get to Clare, and I just couldn’t get up,” he said. “I couldn’t really move, and I was in the worst pain of my life.”

Both Clare and Aaron, who live in Apopka, were subsequently taken to hospital. Clare suffered a concussion, while Aaron sustained bruises to his face.

The couple expressed gratitude to the strangers who intervened and credited their quick response with helping save Clare’s life.

“There were so many miracles that we witnessed from Clare being brought back to life to the four of you being there on that trail at that time,” Aaron said.

Clare also expressed gratitude for surviving the incident, describing the experience as a reminder of the value of life.

“The gift of life that we have is just so beautiful,” she said.

A fundraiser was later launched to support the couple, with more than $65,000 reportedly raised.

According to relatives, Clare had made significant progress within two days of the lightning strike as she continued her recovery.

“We have seen God answer so many prayers, and Clare and Aaron have come a long way in such a short amount of time,” the relatives said, adding that they remained hopeful and thankful for the couple’s recovery.

Lightning strikes are relatively rare, although they can cause serious injuries and fatalities. The couple’s case has drawn attention to the importance of immediate assistance during lightning-related emergencies.

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