A 16-year-old Florida boy died last week after he went into cardiac arrest after possibly being stuck by lightning while riding his bike.
Cameron Day was pedaling home from band practice on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in Pembroke Pines when he decided to take cover under a tree, loved ones told CBS affiliate WFOR. That’s when he was apparently struck by lightning.
Responding authorities found Day lying in a grassy swale when they arrived, Fox affiliate WSVN and NBC affiliate WTVJ reported.
He was taken to Memorial Hospital Regional, where he was later pronounced dead, according to WFOR.
The Pembroke Pines Fire Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Day’s parents told the outlets in a statement that the teen who had autism “BEAT THE ODDS!”
“Cameron was a tuba player at McArthur High School, a member of SGA, and an Ambassador of the Florida Atlantic University Upward Bound Math and Science TRIO Program,” they added.
His cousin told WFOR that she was devastated by the circumstances that led to the boy’s death.
“Our hearts are ripped. I’m going to be honest with you: If he had been hit by a car, I’d have somebody to be angry with, a little frustrated with — I have no one at all,” Gwendolyn Broussard said.
Authorities said the teen suffered a cardiac arrest and had injuries that indicated he was struck by lightning, per the Miami Heraldand WFOR.
“We don’t have confirmation yet, but it does appear as though the patient was struck by lightning with burn wounds noted to the patient’s chest and inner thighs,” Pembroke Pines Fire Rescue Division Chief Scott Gunn told the Herald.
A GoFundMe campaign launched on behalf of the school’s band for Day’s family said that the 11th grader “was a bright light and sweet soul who touched the lives of so many.”
“His passion for music, leadership, and unwavering love for his bandmates and band, McArthur’s Herd of Sound made him an integral part of our family. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend —someone who brought joy and inspiration to everyone around him.”
As of Thursday, Sept. 26, the fundraiser has raised over $30,000.
