Sheriff: Autauga woman picking blueberries hit, killed by lightning

PRATTVILLE – An Autauga County woman died last week after apparently being struck by lightning.

The body of the 73-year-old was found in her yard in the 2300 block of U.S. Hwy. 82 about 9:30 p.m. Friday, said Sheriff Joe Sedinger. The sheriff’s office is conducting a death investigation in the case. It appears the woman was picking blueberries under a tree in her yard, and that the tree had been struck by lightning, sheriff’s office reports show.

She may have been killed Thursday afternoon or evening, the sheriff said. Her brother became concerned because he hadn’t seen or heard from her since Thursday afternoon, reports show. He went to her home to check on her Friday evening and discovered the body.

“I’ve been with the sheriff’s office for 21 years, and I can’t remember a lightning death during that time,” said Sedinger, who was elected sheriff in 2014. He was serving as chief deputy during the election. “People need to be careful, especially this time of year. If you’re outside and hear thunder, you need to get inside.”

Lightning can strike 15 miles away from a thunderstorm, according to the National Weather Service. For the year, there have been 22 fatalities across the country due to lightning strikes, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The last recorded lightning death was July 18 in Bakersfield, Calif., when a 62-year-old man was struck under a tree near his home, NOAA data shows.

As of July 18, Alabama and Florida lead the nation this year with lightning deaths, with three each.