The people of Texas are mourning the loss of a father and praying for the recovery of his young son, who was left in a coma after being struck by lightning on Monday. Matthew Boggs and his son Grayson were walking up their driveway after Grayson’s school bus dropped him off when they were hit by a bolt of lightning. The impact killed Matthew instantly, leaving his family devastated and heartbroken. Grayson, just six years old, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and remains unconscious. His grandmother, Angel Boggs, has been praying for his recovery and seeking comfort from her loved ones.
The incident is a stark reminder of the power of nature and how quickly life can change. Texas has seen a high number of lightning fatalities over the past decade, with only Florida experiencing more such deaths. Lightning strikes are unpredictable and can be deadly, causing burns, cardiac arrest, and brain damage. As Angel Boggs watches over her grandson, she is relying on her faith to get her through this difficult time. She knows that the road ahead will be long and uncertain, but she remains hopeful that Grayson will pull through. Her family and friends are rallying around her, offering support and love as she navigates this painful journey.
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“He would just sit there and wait on his kids,” Angel said about her son, who would sometimes wait up to 20 minutes early, waiting for his children to be dropped off at the bus stop, FOX Weather quotes. “He was a good, loving father. He loved his kids. His kids were everything to him.” She continued, “Matthew was holding (Grayson’s) hand. He just got done telling Grayson, ‘I love you, buddy,’ and that’s when the lightning hit.”
Lightning strikes are one of the most powerful and dangerous weather phenomena. Every year, hundreds of people are injured and killed by lightning strikes in the United States. According to the National Weather Service, an average of 49 deaths and hundreds more injuries occur around the country annually due to lightning strikes.
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Texas, in particular, is a state that experiences a high incidence of lightning strikes each year. From 2011 to 2020, Texas ranked second in the top ten states for lightning deaths, with a total of 43 deaths reported during that period.
Despite its awe-inspiring nature, we must remember that lightning strikes can be deadly. 28 people in the United States die every year from lightning strikes on an average basis, according to all U.S. lightning deaths reported from 2006 through 2021. Males are also four times more likely than women to get struck by lightning. It’s essential to take lightning safety precautions seriously, especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent thunderstorms.