BY: News Peddlers
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| A lightning strike in front of the White House kill three and injured one on 4 August 2022 |
A lightning strike outside the White House killed a Wisconsin husband and wife who had been married for more than five decades. A third victim died Friday evening, and another is in critical condition in the hospital.
The Metropolitan Police Department said Friday that James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died of their injuries after a lightning strike in Lafayette Park, which is directly outside the White House complex, on Thursday.
A third victim, a 29-year-old adult male, died on Friday. According to the police department, the fourth person was in critical condition. Their identities were not revealed right away.
Authorities did not specify how the people were injured, only that they were critically injured in a lightning strike.
According to their niece, Michelle McNett of Janesville, the Muellers were in Washington, D.C., to celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary.
McNett told the Wisconsin State Journal, "They were a very loving couple." "They were extremely family oriented." I believe everyone is still in shock and is requesting privacy."
She told the paper that the couple had five children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Donna Mueller taught for many years before retiring to work at the Comfort Shoppe, a local furniture store. Jim, 76, was a retired contractor and owner of his own drywall company.
McNett is unsure why the couple chose the nation's capital for their vacation, but she does know that "Donna was a constant learner."
According to their niece, the husband and wife enjoyed gatherings and recently hosted a large family gathering.
"They were extremely religious," she explained. "They're both the type of people who would give their shirt off their back to help you."
According to officials, Secret Service and U.S. Park Police officers witnessed the lightning strike Thursday night and ran over to provide first aid. Firefighters were called to the scene shortly before 7 p.m. and transported all of the victims to the hospital with "critical, life-threatening injuries," according to fire department spokesman Vito Maggiolo.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of life in Lafayette Park," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. "Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, and we pray for those who are still fighting for their lives."
SOURCE: NEW YORK POST