Florida woman struck, killed by lightning at Winter Springs park identified by police
WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. - Florida police identified on Friday the mom who was struck and killed by lightning at Trotwood Park in Winter Springs, and her 10-year-old daughter, who was also struck and expected to survive. Watch the press conference above.
Police said Nicole Tedesco died Thursday night. Her daughter, 10-year-old Ava Tedesco, was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital, where she has since been treated and released. The family's dog was also struck by lightning and survived.
The woman's husband, Andrew Tedesco, is a police officer at Orlando Sanford Airport in Sanford.
"He is overwhelmed with the kindness and support being expressed to him and his family, but asks that everyone please respect their privacy and give them the time they need to grieve," an official said Friday at a press conference held at the airport.
Police identify woman killed by lightning strike in Winter Springs near elementary school
Police have identified the mother who was killed after being struck by lightning in Winter Springs on Thursday afternoon. The mother, identified as Nicole Tedesco, passed away from her injuries. Her daughter, 10-year-old Ava Tedesco, was taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital but has since been released. The family's dog was also struck, but survived.
"The City is respecting the privacy of the family due to the unfortunate passing of the mother," the Winter Springs Police Department tweeted. "City staff extends our deepest condolences to the family and will keep them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
Police said lightning also struck the tree that the family was standing next to, while waiting for another while who was coming from school.
The Sanford Airport created a GoFundMe account to help the family with financial expenses.
An 18-year-old woman was also in the area when the lightning strike happened. She originally said she was OK but later asked to be taken to a hospital.
The Seminole County Fire Department said its crews responded to the area of Park Villa Place shortly before 2:30 p.m. and took Nicole Tedesco and her child to the hospital. Seminole County Public Schools later identified the child as a student at Keeth Elementary.
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"Shortly after the scheduled start of dismissal, a rapidly developing storm resulted in the immediate suspension of dismissal procedures. Unfortunately, the Keeth Elementary Cougar and their parent were struck by lightning at/near Trotwood Park," the school district tweeted, adding it was committed to safety precautions during storms.
The district said it would be providing additional counselors at Keeth Elementary to support students and staff impacted. "Our thoughts are with the families, students, and staff," the district said.
Police told FOX 35 News that Nicole Tedesco and Ava were in the area waiting for another child to get out of school when lightning struck a tree they were near.
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office assisted the Winter Springs Police Department. Sheriff Dennis Lemma later offered his condolences in a social media post, saying "Please say a prayer for the family who has lost a mother, and all of those involved and affected by today’s storm. "