A family gathering in Margate, Florida, turned into an unimaginable tragedy on Sunday, August 23, when a sudden lightning strike claimed the lives of 31-year-old Kenya Glasgow and her 2-year-old daughter, Kennedi.

The family had just arrived at the home of Kameron Glasgow’s aunt for a family dinner. As rain began to intensify and a storm approached, the parents tried to quickly get their young children inside. Around 2:30 p.m., while they were outside near the home on Northwest First Street, lightning struck.

Kameron said he felt the electrical current through the ground but survived. When he turned around, however, he saw his wife and daughter down. He later described the moment as one of the most devastating experiences of his life.

Margate police and fire rescue crews responded after receiving reports that two people had been struck by lightning. Emergency responders immediately began CPR before transporting Kenya and Kennedi to separate hospitals. Kenya was taken to North Broward Medical Center, while Kennedi was transported to Broward Health Medical Center. Despite the efforts of first responders and medical teams, both mother and daughter were pronounced dead shortly afterward.

For Kameron, the loss is especially painful because Kenya was not only his wife but also his longtime partner and best friend. He said the two had known each other since their high-school years and had spent about 15 years together. He remembered Kenya as a deeply caring person who always put other people before herself.

He also spoke lovingly about little Kennedi, describing her as an energetic child who loved music. She was one of twin sisters, and her surviving twin, Kensli, is now facing the unimaginable loss of growing up without her sister. Kameron said he knows he must remain strong for Kensli, even as he struggles with the loss of his wife and daughter.

The tragedy has left the family and community in shock. A nearby resident recalled hearing an extremely loud thunderclap and seeing a bright glow at the time of the strike, underscoring how suddenly the disaster unfolded.

In a heartbreaking tribute, Kameron expressed his love and gratitude for Kenya and Kennedi and said he would carry their memory forward with Kensli. He described the two as bringing extraordinary light into the lives of those around them and said their story would continue through the family they left behind.

The Margate Police Department said the incident remains under investigation. The devastating accident is also a reminder of how quickly severe weather can turn dangerous. Authorities generally advise people to seek shelter indoors as soon as they hear thunder rather than waiting for the storm to arrive overhead.