A 21-year-old footballer, Finley Bone, tragically died after being struck by lightning while training at the Cooroy Sporting Complex on Thursday afternoon.
Bone, who was both a player and coach at the Noosa Lions Football Club, had been practising goal-kicking with her partner when the lightning struck during a sudden storm. Paramedics rushed to the scene and transported her to Nambour Hospital in critical condition, but she later succumbed to her injuries.
In a heartbreaking statement, Bone’s family expressed their disbelief and sorrow, saying her life had been “taken away in a minute.” They extended gratitude to the emergency responders and hospital staff who provided “next-level care,” Stuff reported.
The Noosa Lions Football Club paid tribute to Bone as a “much-loved member” of their women’s team and a dedicated coach for the under-12 and under-13 girls’ teams. “Our heartfelt condolences [go to] all Finley’s family and friends,” the club said, as reported by Stuff.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said the tragedy had “deeply saddened our community,” adding that the thoughts and prayers of residents were with Bone’s teammates and loved ones, Stuff reported.
Queensland Police confirmed that a report will be prepared for the state coroner, while meteorologists have warned of more storms expected to hit the Sunshine Coast over the coming days.
According to the ABC, about 100 people are struck by lightning across Australia each year, with around 90% surviving such incidents.
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