2 lifeless, 2 in critical condition after lightning strike near White House

Two individuals who had been critically injured in a lightning strike exterior the White House have died, police confirmed to CBS News Friday. Two others remained hospitalized with life-threatening accidents.

James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died of their accidents after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park, positioned instantly exterior the White House advanced, the Metropolitan Police Department mentioned.

The Muellers’ niece, Michelle McNett, mentioned in an announcement the couple had been highschool sweethearts who had been on a visit to rejoice their 56th wedding ceremony anniversary. They go away behind 5 youngsters, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

“The family asks for privacy and prayers as they navigate through this sudden tragedy,” McNett mentioned.

Family members inform News 3 Now that Jim and Donna Mueller had been highschool sweethearts celebrating their 56th wedding ceremony anniversary in Washington, D.C. after they had been hit by lightning exterior the White House final night time. NEW DETAILS: https://t.co/PjkkioVEhU pic.twitter.com/UCMB7MMidR

— News 3 Now / Channel 3000 (@WISCTV_News3) August 5, 2022

The two different folks, a person and a girl, had been in critical condition, the police division mentioned. Their identities weren’t instantly launched.

The lightning strike was reported at 6:52 p.m. The victims had been near a statue of Andrew Jackson, Maggiolo mentioned, including that “it appeared they were in the vicinity of a tree.”

Uniformed Secret Service brokers and U.S. Park Police officers who had been in the world and witnessed the strike supplied first help to the victims, Maggiolo mentioned.

“Their agents, their officers, witnessed this lightning strike and immediately began to render aid,” Maggiolo mentioned.

It’s unclear precisely what the victims had been doing on the time.

“We are saddened by the tragic loss of life after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned in an announcement. “Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones, and we are praying for those still fighting for their lives.”

A CBS News digital camera that was recording on the White House North Lawn across the time of the lightning strike captured the highly effective rumble of the thunder.

“The thunder was so loud, @gabrielle_ake and I jumped up in fright,” CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes tweeted. “‘That’s too close – we’re shutting down’ advised photographer Ron Windham.” 

Our digital camera was rolling on the White House North Lawn tonight when lightning struck Lafayette Park close by, injuring 4. The thunder was so loud, @gabrielle_ake and I jumped up in fright. “That’s too close — we’re shutting down” suggested photographer Ron Windham. pic.twitter.com/oTtU9VeQBw

— Nancy Cordes (@nancycordes) (*2*)