An elderly couple from Wisconsin who were among four struck by lightning close to the White House has died, police said Friday.
Tourists Donna Mueller, 75, and James Mueller, 76, were among four hospitalized in critical condition after lightning hit them in Lafayette Square late Thursday, D.C. police told The Post.
They were later “pronounced deceased due to the lightning strike,” while another man and a woman also hit remain in “critical condition,” the force confirmed.
“We are saddened by the tragic loss of life after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
“Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones, and we are praying for those still fighting for their lives.”
The tragedy struck opposite the White House, and uniformed Secret Service officers were among the first to rush to the scene and start rendering aid, fire department spokesman Vito Maggiolo had said.
Two other victims remain in “critical condition,” according to authorities. DC Fire and EMS
Four people were hospitalized after being hit by lightning in Lafayette Square in Washington DC. DC Fire and EMS
Lafayette Square is a few blocks away from the White House. Bryan Olin Dozier/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Secret Service officers were among the first responders who aided the victims, according to reports. Bryan Olin Dozier/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Tourists Donna Mueller and James Mueller have died after being struck by lightning near the White House. DC Fire and EMS“All four were suffering from critical life-threatening injuries,” said Maggiolo, who was forced to give a briefing via video from inside a car due to the significant storm conditions still taking place.
