Another Heartbreaking Lightning Strike

From the New York Post

GONE IN A FLASH
By C.J. SULLIVAN and NEIL GRAVES

July 24, 2006 -- Two New Jersey teens were killed and two others injured when a lightning bolt struck them on a Montvale field during a four-man soccer game, officials said yesterday.

The two injured teens were saved likely because they ran for cover when the thunderstorm struck Saturday evening. Their tragic friends had only walked.

Police said the fatally struck victims, Lee Weisbrod, 19, of River Vale and Steven Fagan, 18, of Woodcliff Lake, were caught out in the open at about 6 p.m., when a thunderstorm suddenly hit and they walked off the field toward cover.

The survivors, Christopher Frasciello, 19, and Jordan Zubalsky, 18, both of Montvale, sprinted off the field, then looked back to see their friends struck down, cops said.

One of the survivors ran toward the adjacent Montvale Memorial School and called 911 on his cellphone, police said.

Gary Zubalsky, father of Jordan, said the sprint probably saved his son's life.

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How many times have we been on the soccer field and prayed for the storm to stay far enough away? If you're a soccer parent, for sure you know the annoying "30-minute" wait after each lightning bolt. Listening to the kids whine, watching the coaches pace, hearing the groans with each new strike. I've heard people complain about the officials "just wanting to go home" and players begging to get back on the field. Half the time, the kids and parents aren't even staying in their cars.

A good rule to follow is the ‘30-30 Rule’ which offers The Best Lightning Safety Guidance For The General Public. When You See Lightning, Count The Time Until You Hear Thunder. If That Is 30 Seconds Or Less, The Thunderstorm Is Close Enough To Be Dangerous – Seek Shelter (if you can’t see the lightning, just hearing the lightning is a good back-up rule). Wait 30 Minutes Or More After The Lightning Flash Before Leaving Shelter.

My heart goes out to the families of these young athletes. We can't always be with our kids at every game or pracice, but when we are there we must do all we can to ensure the safety of ALL. Be smart.