Teen killed by lightning strike while trying to protect younger brother, family says

Digital Editor

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. —

A 15-year-old boy was killed by a lightning strike while trying to protect his younger brother, his family says.

Levi Strobel died Sunday at the summit of Mount Blue Sky, a 14,265-foot peak in Colorado’s Front Range.

Clear Creek County authorities said emergency crews responded to the mountain around 1:22 p.m. Sunday after receiving reports that someone had been struck by lightning.

When first responders arrived, park rangers began lifesaving efforts on Strobel, but he could not be revived.

Strobel and his 13-year-old brother were part of a five-person hiking group that was near the summit of the mountain when a lightning storm struck.

Strobel’s younger brother was also injured and was airlifted to a Denver-area hospital for treatment. His condition is unknown.

Two of the other hikers were also injured, officials said. Both sustained only minor injuries.

Strobel’s family released a statement in the aftermath of the tragedy, saying in part, “Levi was deeply loved as a son, brother, family member, and friend. He brought immeasurable joy into the world and into the lives of everyone who knew him.”

His family says Strobel died trying to protect his younger brother, sheltering him from the storm.

“He was a brave and loving brother, and we will always remember the devotion he showed to those he loved. Although our grief is profound, we hold firmly to the hope Levi shared with our family: faith in Jesus Christ, who is able to save and who promises eternal life to those who trust in Him. That hope is sustaining us now,” the statement reads.