Teen Golfer Dies After Lightning Strike at Youth Tournament

A 15-year-old golfer has died after being struck by lightning during a youth golf tournament in Thailand, and her family is calling on tournament organizers to strengthen their safety measures.

Aeyavarin “Aeya” Pradubyart was struck at around 4 p.m. local time on Sunday, Nov. 1, during a tournament in Chachoengsao, a province east of Bangkok, the Bangkok Post reported. She was found unconscious without vital signs, and rescue teams performed CPR until her heartbeat was restored.

Pradubyart was taken to Bang Nam Priao Hospital for further treatment, but she died on Monday, Nov. 2. A 31-year-old caddie was also injured in the strike, though her injuries were reportedly less severe.

A Mother’s Tribute

In a post on Facebook, Pradubyart’s mother, Natcha Izy Samitintu, paid tribute to her daughter’s strength. “You were the strongest of all, my beloved Aeya,” she wrote.