Lightning strikes kills two boys - one on his 12th birthday - after capsizing their rowing boat on Orlando lake
- The lightning strike caused a boat holding a team of five boys to capsize
- Gavin Christman, 13, and Langston Rodriguez-Sane, 12, were thrown overboard
- Gavin was missing for approximately 24 hours before his body was discovered
- Langston died on his 12th birthday in hospital two weeks after the incident
Two young boys died after a lightning bolt capsized their boat while they were rowing in Orlando, Florida.
Five students were practicing on the lake when the lightning stuck, leaving their vessel capsized, according to the Orlando Fire Department.
The five boys were all thrown overboard – leaving Gavin Christman, 13, missing and Langston Rodriguez-Sane, 12, in critical condition.
Three rowing teammates, who were also aboard, righted the boat and were able to bring Langston to shore with the help of their coach.
Langston spent two weeks in hospital before he died from his injuries on his 12th birthday.
Gavin was missing for a day before emergency services found his body 24 hours later.
Forecasts showed precipitation but no warnings of lightning on the day of the accident.
'We are unsure whether it actually hit the vessel or actually was just in the area,' Orlando Fire Department Executive Deputy Chief Ian Davis said.
The severe weather event occurred on September 15, but the two boys have only recently been identified.
Langston Rodriguez-Sane, 12, spent two weeks in hospital before he died after a lightning strike happened where five members of a rowing team were practicing in Orlando
Gavin Christman, 13, was missing for 24 hours before his body was found in Lake Fairview
Members of the rowing community met in wake of the tragedy to go over safety procedures, Fox35 reported.
Coach Bill Zack said he would like to see lightning detectors installed to detect a possible strike minutes before one happens at the lake.
'We wish to shine a spotlight on the beauty and joy that Gavin and Langston brought into this world,' said the GoFundMe page.
'Gavin’s warm eyes and loving heart reached the soul of every person he met. He had a sensitivity and insightfulness that far exceeded his 13 years of life. Gavin’s charming, good looks, keen intellect, and quick wit brought laughter to even the most mundane of situations.
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'Langston was a bright light in this world. He was welcomed into heaven on his 12th birthday as family and friends gathered to celebrate the infectious joy that he brought to so many lives.
'Langston had a playful sense of humor that made those around him laugh and smile, especially his big sister. He was uniquely and unapologetically himself.
The GoFundMe has so far raised $27,095 of its $40,000 goal, with 251 people donating.
In a September 24 post, the North Orlando Rowing nonprofit sports club said: 'It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of a second rower involved in last Thursday’s weather-related tragedy.
Stock image: A view of lake Fairview, where the lightning struck, is shown
The Orlando community placed flowers as a memorial to the two boys after the accident, set up outside of North Orlando Rowing Club
'The NOR community is devastated and continues to focus on supporting our affected families and our entire NOR team during this difficult time.
'We continue to cooperate with local authorities and USRowing as they investigate the incident.
'Until the investigation is complete, we are unable to provide further comment.
'We are beyond grateful for the outpouring of love and concern from around the world. Please continue to hold our families in your prayers.'
The Orlando community placed flowers as a memorial to the two boys after the accident, set up outside of the Rowing Club.
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