A mother of four has died following a freak accident involving a lightning bolt.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, the woman — who has since been identified as Rosanna Hashem, per a GoFundMe page — was hit by debris from a tree that exploded when it was struck by lightning in Cawdor in New South Wales, Australia, according to The Guardian, which cited the New South Wales Ambulance.
A second woman, meanwhile, was injured and taken to a Liverpool hospital with injuries to her hands and face, per the outlet. The New South Wales Ambulance said she remained in a serious but stable condition, The Guardian reported.
Inspector David Kynaston from the New South Wales Ambulance told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, “Both women were sat 6 meters [about 19 feet] from a large tree … struck by a lightning bolt, which literally caused the tree to explode, sending debris all over the place.”
He added, “This is a very traumatic and tragic incident for the family involved but also very confronting for emergency services.”
A lightning strike in the sky (stock image). Getty
Hashem worked for a local cat grooming business, The Groomery. In a statement on the business’ website, the company wrote, “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of Rosanna’s passing following an unexpected accident.”
Detailing that Hashem “was not only the heart and foundation of The Groomery,” the business wrote that she was “also a beloved mother of four boys, a devoted wife, a cherished sister and a dear friend to so many.”
“Over the past five years, she and her team poured their hearts into building a warm and trusted community, and her absence leaves an immeasurable void,” The Groomery continued. “Rose’s care, laughter, and kindness brought people together, creating a family—one that will forever carry her memory forward.”
The Groomery added that it will “remain closed until further notice” amid “this difficult time,” stating, “We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this immense loss.”
A police car (stock image).
Getty
The GoFundMe, set up by Hashem’s The Groomery coworker, Jemma Powell, said the mother of four died a day before her 44th birthday.
Powell wrote that Hashem “was the heart of her family, a pillar of strength, and a kind soul who touched the lives of so many in her community.”
“Her sudden passing has left her husband and children facing an unimaginable loss, not only emotionally but also financially as they navigate life without her,” she continued.
Powell added that donations made to the fundraising page “will help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses, household costs and the continued care of her children.”
She concluded, “Rosanna gave so much to those around her — now it’s our turn to give back and honor her memory. “
