Kenya Glasgow, aged 40, has been identified as the mother who tragically lost her life alongside her two-year-old son after being struck by lightning in Margate, a city located in Broward County, Florida, roughly 30 miles north of Miami.
According to information from Local 10 News, which accessed the police report, emergency services received a distress call at approximately 2:30 p.m. reporting that two individuals had been hit by an electrical discharge and were lying on a sidewalk in the 7900 block of Northwest 1st Street.
First responders immediately began performing CPR on the scene.
Glasgow was taken to North Broward Medical Center in Deerfield Beach, while the child—whose identity has not been publicly disclosed—was transported to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale under police escort.
Despite the efforts of emergency personnel and medical teams at both hospitals, both mother and son passed away shortly after their arrival.
This update follows an earlier report when the victims' identities were unknown and the child's death had not been confirmed.
The Margate Police Department continues to investigate the incident.
Florida's Stormy Season and Lightning Dangers
This tragedy occurs amidst a particularly intense thunderstorm season in Florida. By mid-August, the state had experienced over 2.3 million lightning strikes, with some days recording more than 90,000 strikes within 24 hours.
Before this incident, Florida had already reported at least four confirmed lightning-related deaths in 2026, according to the National Weather Service.
Historically, Florida is the most dangerous state in the nation regarding lightning strikes. Between 2016 and 2025, it recorded 51 lightning fatalities, more than any other state, as reported by the National Lightning Safety Council.
In 2025, Florida also led the country in insurance claims for lightning-related damages, with over 5,100 claims and $186 million in insured losses.
"The Margate police extend their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims during this challenging time," stated the department in an official release.
Understanding Lightning Safety in Florida
How common are lightning strikes in Florida?
Florida experiences more lightning strikes than any other state in the U.S., with millions of strikes occurring annually.
What precautions can be taken to stay safe from lightning?
To stay safe, it is advisable to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open fields, and stay away from tall objects like trees and poles.