The hair on the right side of the chest was singed, and there was damage to the pectoralis muscles. There were multiple microscopic foci of myocardial necrosis. The strike occurred after a thunderstorm had passed through the area. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed immediately by a neighbour and later by emergency medical personnel was unsuccessful. Men, particularly those between 15 and 50 years of age, were much more likely to be killed by lightning.
Lightning occurs in all thunderstorms.
The following precautions can be taken to prevent injury and death caused by lightning. Because lightning often precedes the rain of the thunderstorm, start preparations to avoid potential lightning strikes before the rain begins. When you hear thunder, seek shelter inside the nearest building or an enclosed vehicle. If shelter is not available, avoid standing close to trees or tall objects, because electricity may be conducted from that object to other nearby objects or people. Avoid high ground, water and open spaces, and don't touch metal objects such as golf clubs, umbrellas, fences or tools.