Overview
- Aaron and Clare Walenga were struck by lightning on Sept. 2 while walking the West Orange Trail and were transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center.
- Four nearby Good Samaritans called 911 and performed CPR on Clare after she stopped breathing, reviving her before first responders arrived.
- Both spent only a few days in the hospital and have been discharged to recover at home; Clare is recovering from a concussion and short-term memory loss and Aaron is healing from facial injuries.
- Police released bodycam video of the scene and the Walengas have publicly reunited with the rescuers to thank them as a community fundraiser has raised more than $65,000 for their recovery.
- Health officials note lightning strikes are rare but can be severe and unpredictable, and this case underscores that quick bystander CPR and rapid medical care improve survival odds.