MACON, Ga. — A Georgia 17-year-old who was struck by lightning while on vacation in Florida has died.
Walker Bethune died Wednesday afternoon, according to a family update on their Caring Bridge page.
“Walker has finished his race here on Earth. The Lord has received our angel. He passed away peacefully this afternoon, listening to one of his favorite Allman Brothers songs, appropriately named, ‘Soulshine.’ Our hearts feel an unimaginable pain, but through this journey you have taken with us, we hope that you have found inspiration to draw nearer to God. We continue to feel your prayers, love, and comfort, and ask that in the coming days, weeks, and months that you will keep our family close in your prayers.”
Bethune was vacationing on Marco Island with his family when lightning hit him on July 17. His father David performed CPR before medics arrived and airlifted him to a hospital in Miami.
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The 17-year-old had been stable but still in critical condition last week. On Sunday, Bethune’s family shared that he developed brain swelling.
Bethune was a rising senior and cross country runner at Stratford Academy in Macon.
“You have fervently prayed for Walker and his family over the last 11 days and we ask that you do not stop. Walker was loved by all within our school family and we lift up his family and friends during this unbearably difficult time,” the school posted on Facebook.
A GoFundMe has been set up by a family friend to help with medical bills. So far, the account has raised $20,300 for the family.