A 15-year-old female golfer in Thailand died after being struck by lightning during a sudden thunderstorm while walking across a golf course at a tournament in Chachoengsao Province on Sunday (1 Nov).
On Monday (2 Nov), the mother of Ayawarin Pradabyat (name transliterated from Thai) shared a heartbreaking tribute on her Facebook, confirming her daughter’s passing.
Source: Natcha Izy Samitintu on Facebook
According to the post, the teenager’s heart initially stopped for nearly an hour immediately following the lightning strike.
Emergency medical staff successfully resuscitated her up to ten times.
She held on until her father flew back to say a final goodbye before doctors pronounced her dead.
Source: Natcha Izy Samitintu on Facebook
With grief, her mother wrote that while no parent wants to let their child go, the family chose to release her from her suffering.
She added that the family was taking her daughter’s body home for funeral rites and asked for privacy during this time.
Following the mother’s post, a massive wave of condolences poured in from members of the Thai golfing community, fellow athletes, family friends, and netizens, all mourning the tragic loss of a bright young talent in youth sports.
Local authorities and sports officials continue to urge golf courses and outdoor sports facilities to implement strict lightning detection protocols and ensure the immediate evacuation of playing areas whenever severe weather conditions pose a lightning risk.
Also read: Footballer in Thailand dies on pitch after being struck by lightning during match
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Featured image adapted from Natcha Izy Samitintu on Facebook and Natcha Izy Samitintu on Facebook.