Kameron Glasgow, the husband of Kenya Glasgow and father to little Kennedi, has shared a heart-wrenching account following the tragic loss of his wife and daughter, who were both struck by lightning while seeking shelter from a storm in Margate, Florida.
"It's the worst feeling in the world. Turning around to see your wife and daughter lifeless is unbearable," Kameron recounted, describing the moment of the tragedy.
Devastating Storm Strikes Unprepared Family
The family had arrived at an aunt's house for dinner on Sunday when the weather suddenly turned dangerous. As the rain intensified, they decided to quickly get the children out of the car and head inside.
"We saw the rain getting heavier and said, 'We need to get the girls inside.' It was something anyone would do," Kameron told NBC Miami.
However, time was not on their side. Kenya, 31, and Kennedi, only two years old, were hit by the lightning. Kameron, who was nearby, felt the effects of the strike in his legs. Their other twin daughter, Kensli, remained in the car and survived.
Emotional Farewell and Reflection
"This is incredibly difficult," the grieving father admitted, speaking about a loss that he is still trying to comprehend.
Following the tragedy, Kameron took to social media to bid farewell to his wife and daughter.
"I just lost my best friend. My daughter lost hers too," he wrote, also reflecting on the loss of his father years prior and how that experience shaped his approach to grief.
"After losing my dad, I learned a valuable lesson: never question God's plan," he shared.
Finding some solace in believing his wife and daughter didn’t suffer, he urged those who knew them to cherish their memory.
"It hurts, but if you felt the beautiful light my wife and daughter brought into your life, treasure it. It's there for a reason. They taught us to love and be kind," Kameron expressed.
He also left a personal message for them: "Kenya, Kennedi, I love you both so much. Thank you for choosing me as your husband and father."
Focusing on Kensli: A Father's New Priority
As Kameron faces the future, his main concern is Kensli and explaining the absence of her twin sister.
"I have to be okay for Kensli because she lost her twin sister, her best friend," he said, acknowledging the challenge of conveying such a loss to a child.
Kensli was still in the car when the lightning struck her mother and sister, which kept her safe from the impact.
A Sudden and Tragic Incident
The tragic event unfolded at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, in the 7900 block of Northwest 1st Street in Margate, Broward County.
Margate police, along with fire and rescue teams, responded to reports of two individuals struck by lightning and lying on a sidewalk. First responders immediately began CPR.
Kenya was taken to North Broward Medical Center in Deerfield Beach, while Kennedi was transported to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Both were pronounced dead shortly after.
The community was deeply shaken by the violence of the strike. Prince Moody told CBS News Miami that his son alerted him to a woman lying on the ground. Moody crossed the street to help.
"Approaching, I saw a small child lying near the mother. Burned. It's a scene I never want to witness again," he said.
Understanding the Lightning Threat
Meteorological data underscored the storm's severity, with NBC6's First Alert Live Doppler recording over 200 lightning strikes within a 20-mile radius of Margate between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. that Sunday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported five cloud-to-ground strikes within a mile of the tragedy's location.
Kenya and Kennedi's deaths marked the third and fourth lightning fatalities in Florida this year, per the NWS in Miami. The state had surpassed 2.3 million lightning strikes by mid-August, with some days seeing over 90,000 strikes in 24 hours.
Chris Vagasky, a lightning data expert at the National Lightning Safety Council, emphasized the danger of being near a storm.
"Hearing thunder means you're close enough to a storm to be in danger. Thunder can be heard from 15 miles away, so seek shelter when you hear it," he advised.
Margate Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Understanding Lightning Safety and Risks
What should you do if you hear thunder?
If you hear thunder, it's crucial to seek shelter immediately, as it indicates you're within striking distance of a storm. A secure indoor location is the safest place to be.
How common are lightning strikes in Florida?
Florida experiences a high frequency of lightning strikes, with millions recorded annually. The state often leads the nation in lightning-related incidents due to its weather patterns.
Why is it dangerous to be outside during a thunderstorm?
Being outdoors during a thunderstorm is hazardous because lightning can strike from several miles away. It poses a significant risk of injury or death, making sheltering indoors essential.