NewsWSVN 7 MiamiSeptember 14, 2026Miami-Dade County
Winter Garden police rescue couple struck by lightning on trail
Photo: WSVN 7 Miami
Winter Garden police body camera video captured first responders rescuing Aaron and Clare Walenga after a lightning strike left them injured on a trail on Sept. 2. The incident occurred as lightning-related fatalities in Florida reached six for the year, prompting warnings from safety officials.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 MiamiWhy It Matters
Residents are reminded of local lightning hazards following a strike that injured two people in Winter Garden, contributing to a total of 15 lightning fatalities nationwide and six in Florida this year.
Key Facts
- Winter Garden police rescued Aaron and Clare Walenga after they were struck by lightning while walking along a trail on Sept. 2.
- Aaron Walenga was found sprawled on the ground and grunting in pain, while his wife was initially unresponsive.
- The Walengas were two of three people struck by lightning within a week in Central Florida.
- A 20-year-old man named Matthew Jenkins was struck and killed by lightning last Tuesday while walking along a trail in Celebration.
- Jenkins' death marks the sixth lightning-related fatality in Florida this year.
- Lightning has killed 15 people across the United States so far this year.
- Experts advise anyone who hears thunder to go indoors immediately.
Who's Mentioned
locationUnited States“Nationwide lightning fatality statistics”PersonClare Walenga“Lightning strike victim in Winter Garden”locationWinter Garden“Location of the lightning strike on Sept. 2”PersonAaron Walenga“Lightning strike victim in Winter Garden”locationFlorida“State noting high lightning fatalities”OrganizationNational Weather Service“Provided weather context and safety warnings”PersonWill Ulrich“National Weather Service official”OrganizationSunbeam Television Corp.“Copyright holder”locationCentral Florida“Region experiencing lightning incidents”OrganizationWinter Garden Police“First responders on the scene”PersonMatthew Jenkins“Lightning strike fatality in Celebration”locationCelebration“Location of a fatal lightning strike”