Texas boy, 6, dies after being struck by lightning, weeks after dad killed in same strike

Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY
Updated ·2 min read
3

A 6-year-old boy died from a lightning strike just weeks after his father was killed by the same strike in central Texas.

Grayson Boggs died Friday after being struck by the lightning bolt while walking in the driveway with his father, identified by family as Matthew Boggs, 34. According to Boggs' obituary, Grayson was holding his father's hand when the two were struck in Valley Mills, Texas, about 20 miles northwest of Waco, on May 15.

According to a Facebook post by Bosque County Sheriff Trace Hendricks, officers responded to the scene and found the father and son unresponsive. Grayson's father died from his injuries, the sheriff said.

Grayson was found "unresponsive, but breathing" and was taken to a local hospital.

"Our prayers are with the family as they mourn," Hendricks wrote.

Formerly of Indianapolis, Matthew Grayson died while walking his son home from the bus stop, according to his obituary. His son was struck at the same time "while holding his father's hand."

Lightning explained: How to stay safe if lightning strikes

A vein of lightning strikes beyond the Flagler Pier, in Flagler Beach, Fla., during a summer storm.
A vein of lightning strikes beyond the Flagler Pier, in Flagler Beach, Fla., during a summer storm.

Taken off a ventilator

According to a fundraising page created by the boy's cousin, Stephanie Burris, Grayson suffered multiple seizures after being struck and was placed on a ventilator.

In an update Thursday, Burris wrote Grayson had been taken off the ventilator and was breathing on his own, but died the next day.

Public works employee hit by lightning Police officer saves public works employee struck by lightning in New Jersey

According to his obituary, the "happy carefree little boy" attended Valley Mills Elementary School and graduated kindergarten this year.

"He loved his school and especially his teachers. Grayson attended the Bosque County Cowboy Church and was a huge part of the church and loved his church family unconditionally," the obituary reads. "Grayson loved to play outside with his wagon and he loved to sing and just be outside."

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Texas boy dies from lightning strike; father died in same incident