A Wisconsin husband and wife who had been married for more than 50 years were murdered by lightning outside the White House. One victim is being treated at a hospital for life-threatening injuries, and a third victim was declared dead Friday night.
The lightning strike Thursday in Lafayette Park, which is situated directly outside the White House complex, resulted in the deaths of James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, both of Janesville, Wisconsin, the Metropolitan Police Department reported on Friday.
On Friday, a 29-year-old adult male victim was confirmed as dead. According to the police department, a woman who was the fourth victim was in critical condition. Their identities weren’t right away made public.
Authorities only stated that the victims of the lightning strike were critically hurt. They did not specify how they were hurt.
The Mueller, according to their niece Michelle McNett of Janesville, was visiting Washington, D.C., to commemorate their 56th wedding anniversary.
The Wisconsin State Journal was told by McNett, “They were a really affectionate couple. They had a strong focus on family. Everyone seems to be in a state of shock right now and is sort of requesting seclusion.
She told the newspaper that the pair had five children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
In her latter years, retired teacher Donna Mueller worked at the Comfort Shoppe, a nearby furniture shop. Jim, a 76-year-old retired contractor, ran his own drywall company.
Although McNett admitted she doesn’t know why the couple chose to spend their holiday in the capital, she did remark that “Donna was a continual learner.”
According to their niece, the pair enjoyed parties and recently hosted a sizable family get-together.
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She remarked, “They were quite pious.” They are both exactly the kind of people who would sacrifice everything for you, both of them.
According to officials, Secret Service and U.S. Park Police officers saw the lightning hit on Thursday night and rushed to provide first aid. Just before 7 o’clock in the evening, emergency medical personnel were rushed to the scene and reported that all of the victims had “serious, life-threatening injuries,” according to fire department spokesperson Vito Maggiolo.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remarked, “We are pained by the unfortunate loss of life after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park.” “Our prayers are with those still battling for their lives, and our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones.”
