The third victim was pronounced dead on Friday night, following the death yesterday of a Wisconsin couple celebrating more than five decades of marriage in the US capital. A fourth person remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries. James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, of Janesville, Wis., died from their injuries after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park, which is just outside the White House complex, the Metropolitan Police Department said on Friday. The third victim, a 29-year-old man, was pronounced dead Friday. The fourth person, a woman, was in critical condition, the police department said. Their identities were not immediately released. Authorities did not say how the people were injured, other than to say they were seriously injured by the lightning. Lightning strikes a tree in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House, on Thursday, in this image taken from video taken by a nearby television camera. (Reuters)
‘Couple very much in love’
The Muellers were on a trip to Washington to celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary, according to their niece, Michelle McNett, of Janesville. “They were a very loving couple,” McNett told the Wisconsin State Journal. “It was very, very family-oriented. I think everyone is in shock right now and asking for privacy.” The couple had five children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, McNett told the newspaper. Donna was a teacher and in retirement worked at the Comfort Shoppe, a local furniture store. James was a retired contractor who owned his own drywall business. McNett said she’s not sure why the couple chose the nation’s capital for their vacation, but added that Donna “has been a constant learner.” He said they loved having gatherings and had just hosted a large family event a few weeks ago. “They were very religious,” he said. “Just the kind of people who would give the shirt off their back to do anything for you, both of them.”
The Secret Service, the police provided first aid
Secret Service and U.S. Park Police officers saw the lightning and ran to render first aid, officials said. Emergency medical crews were called to the scene just before 7pm ET and transported all victims to the hospital. “We are sorry for the tragic loss of life following the lightning strike in Lafayette Park,” said White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre. “Our hearts go out to the families who lost loved ones and we pray for those who are still fighting for their lives.”
