Aaron Walenga and Clare Walenga were walking hand in hand in Winter Haven, Florida, on Sept. 2 when lightning struck them during a fast-moving evening storm. Clare became unconscious and stopped breathing, while Aaron was left disoriented and temporarily unable to move. Four strangers rushed to help, called 911 and performed CPR before emergency responders arrived. The couple later said their recovery from serious injuries, including brain bleeds and heart damage, was miraculous.
The couple had dropped off their three children at a weekly church youth group gathering and were using the evening as a date night. After dinner, they began walking along the popular West Orange Trail when the storm moved into the area without warning.
| 1) | Lightning strike interrupts the couple’s evening walk |
|---|---|
| 2) | Bystanders begin an immediate rescue |
| 3) | The couple suffers serious injuries |
| 4) | Recovery brings relief and renewed gratitude |
| 5) | Community support strengthens the family |
Lightning strike interrupts the couple’s evening walk
Aaron Walenga, 48, and Clare Walenga, 43, were walking on the West Orange Trail in Winter Haven after leaving their children at church. The couple said they had gone to dinner before starting the walk, a routine they enjoyed as time together. A nearby storm then developed quickly, and lightning struck them as they walked hand in hand.
Aaron said he initially did not understand what had happened. When he regained awareness, he was in severe pain and confused, believing that a vehicle might have struck them from behind. He said he could see Clare but could not move normally or reach her.
“I couldn’t move the way I wanted to,” Aaron said. “I’m trying to get up. I am trying to get to Clare … I’m trying to talk, and I’m not really able to.”
Bystanders begin an immediate rescue
Four strangers, identified by the family as Charlotte, Michael, Amber and Tiffany, responded within moments. They called 911 and began performing CPR on Clare, who was unconscious and had stopped breathing. Witnesses later told Clare that she had turned blue and was not breathing for approximately three to four minutes.
The rescuers continued helping until first responders arrived roughly 10 minutes later. Aaron said their decision to move toward the couple was especially courageous because the nearby fence had also lit up during the strike, showing that the area remained dangerous.
“They could see the fence beside them that lit up,” Aaron said. “It was a big moment to turn around and then go, ‘Hey, I think we need to go that direction.’ And they did.”
The couple suffers serious injuries
The lightning strike caused significant injuries to both people. Aaron suffered fractured eye sockets, a broken nose, damaged teeth, facial cuts and burns on his hand and wrists. He had been holding an umbrella and wearing a smartwatch when the strike occurred.
The couple also said medical evaluations found brain bleeds in both of them, while Clare sustained heart damage and experienced intermittent memory loss. Their children were safely brought home that night with help from their pastor while Aaron and Clare received medical care.
Recovery brings relief and renewed gratitude
Aaron and Clare said follow-up examinations two days later showed that the brain bleeds had healed without lasting damage and that Clare’s heart condition had completely resolved. Clare said her full memory returned after about two days.
The couple described the outcome as a series of miracles and credited their faith for helping them remain hopeful. Clare said she feels profound gratitude to be alive and believes she still has a purpose.
“God’s not done with me yet,” Clare said.
Community support strengthens the family
Since the strike, the family has developed a close relationship with the four people who helped them. Aaron and Clare also said they plan to return to the trail in the coming weeks, despite the trauma associated with the location.
Support has come from their church, neighbors and school communities. Neighbors have cared for the family’s yard and pool without being asked, while the church helped the children on the night of the incident. Aaron, who served in the Air Force for 24 years before retiring two years ago, said the response showed him how a community can put faith into action.
“It’s very humbling to know that people out there really care for you,” Aaron said. “It’s really the people that are around you, and it’s been amazing to watch.”
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lightning struck the couple during an evening walk in Winter Haven on Sept. 2. |
| 2 | Four bystanders called 911 and performed CPR on Clare. |
| 3 | Both victims reported brain bleeds, while Clare also suffered heart damage. |
| 4 | The couple said follow-up tests showed the conditions had healed within two days. |
| 5 | Church, neighbors and school communities helped the family during recovery. |
Summary
The lightning strike left the Florida couple with severe injuries and created an immediate emergency on the trail. The actions of four bystanders, followed by medical treatment and extensive community support, helped the family through the crisis. Aaron and Clare now view their survival and recovery as a profound expression of faith, courage and collective care.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the lightning strike occur?
The strike occurred on Sept. 2 during an evening walk in Winter Haven, Florida.
Who helped the couple after the strike?
Four bystanders identified as Charlotte, Michael, Amber and Tiffany called 911 and performed CPR on Clare before emergency responders arrived.
What injuries did the couple report?
Aaron reported facial fractures, a broken nose, damaged teeth, cuts and burns. Both said they experienced brain bleeds, and Clare also reported heart damage and temporary memory loss.
How did the couple describe their recovery?
They described it as miraculous, saying follow-up examinations two days later showed that the brain bleeds and Clare’s heart damage had healed.
