Wautoma Lightning Strike Claims Life of Young Boy

Tragedy struck on Thursday evening when a group of six young boys were struck by lightning at an Episcopal church camp in Wautoma, Wisconsin. The incident occurred around 12:30 pm while the boys were walking to the dining hall at Camp Webb, located on Little Hills Lake.

According to reports, two large trees near the campsite were hit by a thunderstorm, unleashing a powerful lightning bolt that traveled through the ground and struck the group of boys. Miraculously, the counselors on site immediately began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) within two minutes of the strike.

Sadly, 11-year-old Rico Allen from Milwaukee succumbed to his injuries, becoming the victim of the Wautoma lightning strike. Another boy, aged 13 from Racine, was critically injured and is still being treated at Berlin Memorial Hospital. The other four boys were treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital.

Rico's mother, Mrs. John Horton, had spoken to her son earlier that day via telephone after he was released from the hospital. She recalled him saying, 'I'm okay, but one of my friends was killed.' In a statement, she expressed her gratitude towards the camp counselors who worked tirelessly to save Rico and his friends.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of lightning strikes during thunderstorms. It is crucial for people to take necessary precautions and seek shelter immediately if a storm warning is issued.

As the community mourns the loss of Rico Allen, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. May this tragic event serve as a wake-up call for us all to prioritize safety and take action in the face of severe weather conditions.