PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – A 16-year-old student from McArthur High School has died after being found unresponsive in Pembroke Pines on Wednesday evening, authorities confirmed Thursday.
Pembroke Pines police said the teenage boy was riding his bike home and was possibly struck by lightning around 5 p.m.
A witness told Local 10 News that the teenager was sitting on his bike while under a tree when the incident occurred.
“One second I see him standing up just fine, the other I was fixing something here in the corner (and) I heard a really loud lightning,” said Zandra Laguno, who lives nearby. “I thought it hit right here next to me because it’s like the loudest lightning I’ve ever heard and it was like really close.”
Fire rescue crews were dispatched to the area after receiving reports of the student lying motionless in the grass near the 600 block of Southwest 67th Avenue.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they found the teenager lying underneath a tree, unresponsive, and with burn marks on his thighs and chest.
“Five minutes after that the rescue came, they stopped right here and I noticed that they were picking up that same kid that I just saw standing there,” said Laguna. “I assumed that the lightning struck him because he was fine a few seconds before.”
Authorities said fire rescue personnel quickly assessed the situation and discovered the student was in cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts to revive him, the victim was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he died.
McArthur High School Principal Mark Howard did not disclose the identity of the student but did confirm the teenager’s death on Thursday.
“Dear McArthur High School families and staff, this is Principal Mark Howard calling to inform you about tragic news impacting our school community,” Howard said in a statement Thursday. “An 11th-grade student passed away yesterday evening. Though I am unable to share additional details regarding the student’s untimely death, I offer my deepest condolences to the student’s family and loved ones, teachers, and classmates. He will be missed.”
Howard also encouraged families to talk with their children, recognizing that many students may feel the need to share memories or ask questions about the loss. “It is natural and healthy for your child to want to discuss this,” he added.
A Local 10 News crew spotted indentations in the pavement Thursday evening near the intersection of Southwest 67th Avenue and Sixth Street, likely caused by a lightning strike.
Howard also said In response to the tragedy, grief counselors will be on campus for the remainder of the week to support students and staff members as they cope with the loss.
“To assist our school community in dealing with this loss, grief counselors will be on campus tomorrow and for as long as it is necessary,” Howard said.
Parents and guardians with concerns about their children’s emotional response are encouraged to reach out to their child’s teacher, school counselor, or any member of the administrative team. Howard also provided additional resources for immediate support, directing families to call 211 for assistance.
Authorities said more details regarding the student’s condition and the cause of death will be released by Memorial Regional Hospital as they become available.