ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – Daniel Sharkey, 17, is lucky to be alive after being struck by lightning on July 15.
Surveillance video captured the terrifying moments along New Hope Way, showing Sharkey on the ground after the bolt partially struck a nearby tree.
Just a day after the strike, Sharkey spoke to News 6 from his hospital bed. Reflecting on the life-altering event, Sharkey expressed deep gratitude to those who helped save his life.
“I’m so thankful for everyone—the fine folks at Seminole County Rescue. It’s really great to be here,” Sharkey said.
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Sharkey, whom News 6 previously honored with a Getting Results Award for organizing a food drive, has maintained his positive outlook, even making light of the experience now that he’s fully recovered.
“I wouldn’t recommend getting hit by lightning, for sure,” Sharkey said. “A lot of people were, of course, concerned, but once they found out I was OK, they found it hilarious.”
A survival celebration was held at the Altamonte Springs Chick-fil-A.
Sharkey’s neighbor who called 911, Angelina Tolbert, said she is thankful he is OK. Tolbert, who witnessed the strike from her front window, described her initial shock as she realized what had happened in her driveway.
“It was probably more than anything, shock,” Tolbert said. “I told my younger son, ‘Get outside! Daniel has been struck by lightning!’ There was a loud sound, and I knew right away something was wrong.”
Sharkey expressed his deep appreciation for Tolbert’s quick thinking.
“For sure, I was there on the ground unconscious, and my neighbor Angie was on it,” Sharkey said. “I’ve mowed her yard for quite a while, and I don’t know if she saw or heard it, but she looked out the window and saw me, then called and got help on the way.”
Sharkey credits the rapid response of Seminole County’s first responders for saving his life.
“I’m just so grateful. It’s all about fast response time for anything,” he said.
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