When a sudden bolt of lightning struck a hiking trail near Winter Garden, Florida, on Wednesday night, Aaron and Clare Walenga – both staff members at the private Foundation Academy – found themselves fighting for their lives. The couple, whose three children attend the school, were quickly aided by three good Samaritans who stopped to help and called 911.
Quick action saves lives
According to the Winter Garden Police incident report, the three strangers found the Walengas unconscious on the trail and began CPR on Clare, who was not breathing. “If she’s not breathing, we need to start CPR,” the 911 dispatcher instructed, and the callers complied, performing chest compressions until emergency responders arrived.
Dr. Jeff Lawrence, president of Foundation Academy, rushed to Orlando Regional Medical Center after hearing the news. “They’re alive,” he said, “we have a lot to be grateful for.” Lawrence, a native of the area, noted that he had never known anyone personally struck by lightning before.
Hospital updates and hopeful signs
At the hospital, Aaron was awake and talking, though in pain, while Clare remained unresponsive for several hours. Lawrence reported a turning point when doctors announced they would remove Clare’s breathing tube – a development he called “a miracle.” He added that the prompt assistance of the good Samaritans likely prevented a worse outcome, saying, “If they hadn’t stopped earlier, I don’t know when we would have found them because there was nobody else out on the trail.”
Faith and community support
Lawrence emphasized the role of prayer in the couple’s recovery, stating, “We began to pray” as soon as the news broke. The school community has rallied around the Walengas, with a parent setting up an online fundraiser that has already raised nearly $35,000 as of Friday afternoon.
“Aaron informed the officer that he remembered holding hands with Clare before both were struck,” the police report noted, highlighting the couple’s deep love and faithfulness to one another. Lawrence reflected on that moment, saying, “That just shows who they are – a deep love, deep faithfulness to one another.”
Looking ahead
Both Aaron and Clare remain in the hospital, but doctors are optimistic about their continued recovery. The Foundation Academy community plans to hold a special prayer service next week to thank the rescuers and to support the family during their healing process.
This incident underscores the power of quick, selfless action and the strength of faith‑based community support in Winter Garden. As the Walengas continue their road to recovery, neighbors and fellow parents are reminded that a simple act of kindness can change lives forever.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
