Thirteen-Year-Old Girl Killed in Freak Lightning Strike on Greek Holiday

Halkidiki, Greece – A family holiday turned to unimaginable tragedy on Friday when thirteen-year-old Dorothea was struck and killed by lightning on Faros beach near Poseidi. The teenager was walking just a few feet behind her mother, moments after the family had left the water due to a sudden downpour.

According to local reports, Dorothea was enjoying a swim with her parents at the popular beach when the skies opened. The family gathered their belongings and were heading back to their car when tragedy struck. Dorothea’s father, who was slightly ahead of his wife and daughter, watched in horror as lightning hit, throwing both to the ground.

He recounted the horrifying experience to Greek news site Protothema: “The lightning struck both my wife and the child. If they were holding hands, as they were just before, it would have taken both of them.” He immediately rushed to administer first aid, and emergency services were called, but sadly, it was too late.

Dorothea was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The young girl, remembered as a bright student and talented athlete by her heartbroken father, “fell down and didn’t get up again.”

Adding to the family’s grief, a relative informed Greek publication Mega that a medical examiner believes a small metal bead on Dorothea’s swimsuit may have played a role in attracting the fatal strike.

The small seaside community came together on Tuesday to mourn the loss of young Dorothea. Her funeral, held at the Holy Church of Agios Georgios in New Moudania, saw devastated classmates and relatives bidding farewell to the beloved schoolgirl, who leaves behind her heartbroken parents and two brothers.