MARGATE, Fla. — A Florida community is mourning after a 31-year-old mother and her 2-year-old daughter died Sunday after they were reportedly struck by lightning while outside in Margate.
Margate Police and Margate Fire Rescue were called at approximately 2:30 p.m. following a 911 report that two people had been struck by lightning and were lying on a sidewalk near 7900 Northwest 1st Street.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and immediately began treating the mother and child.
According to police, first responders performed CPR and other emergency medical measures in an attempt to save their lives.
The mother was identified as Kenya Glasgow, 31.
First Responders Rush Mother and Child to Hospitals
After the initial treatment at the scene, Glasgow was transported by Margate Fire Rescue to North Broward Medical Center in Deerfield Beach.
Her 2-year-old daughter was taken to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, with a police escort accompanying the emergency response.
Despite the efforts of first responders and medical personnel, neither victim survived. Police said both mother and daughter died shortly after arriving at the hospitals.
The sudden tragedy has left neighbors and witnesses struggling to process what happened.
Neighbor Recalls Terrifying Lightning Strike
Prince Moody, who lives across the street from where the incident occurred, said he had just returned from picking up groceries when he heard the lightning strike.
Moody described the sound as unusually powerful and said he also noticed a flash of orange light.
“I heard the loudest lightning strike I could hear, thunder, and an orange glow went through my window,” Moody said.
The dramatic sound and flash quickly gave way to a heartbreaking emergency response as first responders arrived to help the mother and her young daughter.
Moody remained at the scene and said his thoughts were with the family as the reality of the tragedy unfolded.
Neighbor Offers Condolences to Family
For Moody, the incident was particularly difficult to witness because he could imagine the pain facing the family.
“Imagine the family that’s actually going through this. The father, you know. I have a kid and I can imagine. My thoughts and prayers,” he said.
His comments reflected the shock felt by those living nearby as investigators and emergency personnel worked at the scene.
The deaths have also prompted an outpouring of sympathy for the victims’ loved ones as the family deals with the sudden loss of both a mother and a young child.
Police Investigation Remains Ongoing
The Margate Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the lightning strike.
Authorities have not released additional details about exactly where the mother and daughter were standing when they were struck or what circumstances led to the incident.
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Police have expressed their condolences to the family and loved ones of Glasgow and her daughter.
The tragedy serves as a devastating reminder of how quickly severe weather can turn dangerous, particularly when lightning is present.
As the investigation continues, the Margate community is left mourning the loss of a mother and her 2-year-old daughter.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking tragedy? Share your condolences and thoughts in the comments.