Nationwide — Kenya Glasgow, a 31-year-old African American mother, and her 2-year-old daughter died after lightning struck them in Margate, Florida, on Sunday afternoon. First responders found the mother and child lying on a sidewalk before rushing them to separate hospitals, where doctors later pronounced them dead.
According to People, the Margate Police Department and Margate Fire Rescue responded around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 23 after receiving reports that two people had been struck by lightning near 7900 Northwest First Street. When emergency crews arrived, they found Glasgow and her daughter on the sidewalk and immediately began performing CPR in an attempt to save them.
Paramedics took Glasgow to North Broward Medical Center in Deerfield Beach, while her daughter was transported to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Despite the efforts of first responders and hospital staff, both mother and daughter died shortly after arriving. Authorities had not immediately released additional details about what happened before the lightning strike or why the pair was outside at the time.
The incident also shocked people living nearby. Prince Moody, who lives in the area, said he heard what he described as the “loudest lightning strike I could hear, thunder, and an orange glow went through my window.” The sudden flash and noise made him think about the family and the loss they were facing, especially Glasgow’s husband and children.
After the deaths, Glasgow’s husband, Kam, shared a tribute on social media and identified their daughter as Kennedi. “I just lost my best friend. My daughter just lost her best friend,” he wrote. He added that he believed his wife and daughter did not suffer before their deaths.
Kam’s post also mentioned the couple’s other daughter, Kensli, and included photos of the family. He remembered Glasgow and Kennedi for the happiness and kindness they brought into the lives of others and urged people to cherish the love they shared. He said he and Kensli would continue their lives while carrying their memories with them, adding that Glasgow and Kennedi would remain part of their family story. The family has not publicly shared further details about funeral arrangements.