A 17-year-old from Florida says he’s lucky to be alive after being struck by lightning while doing yard work for a neighbor.
Daniel Sharkey, 17, tends to the lawn of his neighbor, Angelina Tolbert, every Monday, and this week was no exception. Knowing a storm was approaching, Sharkey was rushing to finish his work around 5 p.m. when lightning struck him.
Sharkey recalls weed whacking and then waking up on the ground in pain. “I woke up. I was on the ground. I was trying to scream, but I was unable to,” said the teen from his hospital bed just hours after the incident. “My chest hurts quite a bit. Everything feels off.”
Surveillance video captured the moment when neighbors rushed to help. “I saw him lying on the ground. I yelled to my son, ‘Oh my god, Daniel’s been hit by lightning,’” Tolbert said. She immediately called 911, and Sharkey was rushed to the hospital, where he is currently recovering.
Doctors believe a tree nearby likely saved the teen’s life by absorbing most of the shock from the lightning strike. They noted that had the bolt struck just a few inches over, Sharkey might not be alive to tell his story.
Tolbert describes the 17-year-old’s recovery as nothing short of a miracle. “He’s definitely got some angels with him, for sure,” she said. Sharkey, known for his helpful nature, is always ready to lend a hand. He volunteers for Second Harvest Food Bank and dedicates hours to assisting local history groups.
Sharkey says he feels lucky to be alive and is surprised by how well he is recovering. He is expected to be released from the hospital soon. “I’m just happy that if karma is a thing, it ended up on my side this time,” he said.
Experts advise that if you encounter someone who has been struck by lightning, call 911 immediately. Check to see if they need CPR or a defibrillator, as cardiac arrest is the greatest concern. They also recommend staying indoors during a thunderstorm until at least 30 minutes after it has passed to ensure safety.