‘It was just instantaneous’: Florida teen recalls nearly being struck by lightning

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida teen is recovering after he was nearly struck by lightning while doing yard work for a neighbor on Monday afternoon.

Daniel Sharkey, 17, said he’s lucky to be alive after he was nearly hit by lightning.

According to NBC affiliate WESH , Sharkey was finishing up weed-eating in his neighbor’s yard when he saw a storm rolling through.

“I was trying to finish up. I was about to head back to my truck, and suddenly, I woke up face down in a puddle,” Sharkey told WESH.

Neighbors immediately rushed to the teen’s aid as lightning continued to strike.

“There was no warning. There was no ‘get out of the way.’ It was just instantaneous,” Sharkey said.

Witnesses told WESH that he wasn’t struck directly, but since he was so close, the strike caused him to fall. They said a tree saved his life because it prevented a direct strike from hitting the teen.

“A direct hit is usually fatal, and even a hit like what I took, there’s still a very good chance of a fatality,” the teen said.

The 17-year-old is now on the road to recovery with his family and neighbors by his side. According to WESH, Sharkey is thankful to be here so he can continue to help his neighbors and his community through volunteer work.

Sharkey also said a lightning strike won’t stop him from earning summer cash as he’s not finished doing yard work.

“I mean, I’ve got 20 people that expect their grass cut, and if not there, I’m sure I’ll have a lot of annoyed customers,” he said. Although, we’re sure his customers will understand.

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