Woman riding lawnmower in coma after being struck by lightning in Florida

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HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — A woman was hospitalized after being struck by lightning Sunday night, authorities in Florida announced. Her husband told NewsNation affiliate WFLA that she is in a coma and is fighting for her life.

“I’m in shock, I just want to see her. I’m just trying not to cry,” said Catherine Franklin, a neighbor and friend.

Just before 7 p.m. local time, Hernando County Fire Rescue was dispatched to a person struck by lightning in Ridge Manor while mowing the lawn.

Arriving at the scene, crews found a patient in cardiac arrest.

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According to HCFR, Advanced Life Support treatment was initiated, and the patient was successfully resuscitated while heading to a hospital in Dade City.

No additional information is available on the patient.

“HCFR wants to remind everyone when thunder roars head indoors. Lightning can strike several miles away from a thunderstorm. Staying indoors for 30 minutes after the storm passes is highly recommended,” Hernando County Fire Rescue said in a post on Facebook.

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