Teenager Struck by Lightning in Florida While on Vacation With Family

A Georgia teenager was struck by lightning while vacationing with his family in Florida over the past weekend.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the Stratford Academy in Georgia identified the teenager as Walker Bethune, who was a student at the school.

"Yesterday afternoon, rising Stratford senior Walker Bethune was involved in a horrific accident while vacationing with his family in Florida," the Stratford Academy said in the Facebook post.

According to WZVN-TV in Florida, Marco Island Police Department said the incident occurred around 3:47 p.m. local time on Saturday while Bethune was on the beach near the 1000 block of South Collie.

The Marco Island Police Department said that after 17-year-old Bethune, was struck by lightning, his father immediately performed CPR. He was transferred to a local hospital by emergency medical services shortly after.

In a statement sent to Newsweek, Stratford Academy Head of School Logan Bowlds said, "Walker Bethune was vacationing with his family in Florida when he was struck by lightning in a freak accident while on the beach. His father, David, kept him alive by performing CPR until the paramedics arrived."

The statement continued, "He is currently in critically stable condition at a hospital in Miami, Florida. Walker is an exceptional young man and a great friend to many on our campus. Our hearts go out to Walker and his entire family during this tragic time, and we are praying for a quick and speedy recovery."

In the Facebook post on Sunday, Stratford Academy said they were holding a prayer vigil for Bethune and said, "All are invited to attend. Please share to help spread the word!"

During the vigil on Sunday, Bowlds said, "Over the last 24 hours, we have been overwhelmed with questions, comments and concerns from what feels like every single person who lives in Macon, Georgia. It really is a testament to how beloved this family is. I've heard from countless local churches, schools and community organizations who have all reached out to say they are praying beside us."

Bowlds continued, "The outpouring of love and support of our community has truly been phenomenal. I know that God is present here and as a believer I know when people pray, God listens…while much is unknown, we know that Walker faces a battle in the next several days, weeks and months to come."

Bowlds then called on community members to pray for the Bethune family and the medical team working on Walker.

Newsweek reached out to the Marco Island Police Department for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.