WASHINGTON – (WMAL/AP) A woman who was struck by lightning in Lafayette Park last week is recovering from her injuries after being revived at the scene by a pair of nurses who were visiting the White House on vacation.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis, who had been spending her 28th birthday canvassing tourists for donations for Ukraine, suffered severe burns, and had to be revived after her heart stopped, but she is now recovering. She was the only survivor among a group of four strangers who huddled under a tree as a storm passed on Thursday evening.
Among the other victims were Brooks Lambertson of Los Angeles, a bank executive who was in D.C. on business, as well as a retired couple celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary.
“Brooks was an incredible young man who will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and unwavering positivity,” a statement from his employer, City National Bank, said. “His sudden loss is devastating for all who knew him, and his family, friends and colleagues appreciate the thoughts and prayers that have poured in from around the country.”
Lamberton graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he majored in recreation, parks and tourism administration, with a concentration in sports management, the bank said.
James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died of their injuries after the lightning strike in the park located directly outside the White House complex, the Metropolitan Police Department said.
The Muellers were on a trip to Washington, D.C., to celebrate their anniversary, according to their niece, Michelle McNett of Janesville.
“They were a very loving couple,” McNett told the Wisconsin State Journal. “They were very, very family oriented. I think everyone’s just in shock right now and kind of request privacy.”
The couple had five children, 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, she told the paper.
Officers with the Secret Service and the U.S. Park Police witnessed the lightning strike Thursday night and ran over to render first aid, officials said.
The Associated Press contributed content to this story.
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