US: 15-year-old hiker killed by lightning while protecting younger brother

A hiking trip in Colorado turned tragic when a 15-year-old boy was killed by a lightning strike while shielding his younger brother. Levi Strobel, from the Denver suburbs, was part of a group of five people hiking Mount Blue Sky on Sunday, July 26. The incident occurred at an altitude of over 4,300 meters.

Emergency services, including Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office deputies, firefighters, emergency medical services, a mountain rescue team, and park rangers, were dispatched after receiving a report of a person struck by lightning. Upon arrival, rangers immediately began administering first aid to Strobel, but he could not be resuscitated. His younger brother, Jace Strobel, was also injured and subsequently evacuated by helicopter to a hospital.

The group had been hiking the popular Mount Blue Sky, a peak known for its challenging terrain and susceptibility to sudden weather changes. The lightning strike serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of high-altitude hiking, especially during thunderstorms, and the unpredictable nature of mountain weather. The community mourns the loss of a young life tragically cut short while demonstrating bravery in protecting his sibling.