Sole survivor of DC lightning strike near White House shares story of recovery

The sole survivor of the lightning strike in Washington, D.C., that killed three people near the White House is speaking out for the first time.

The 28-year-old woman was in Lafayette Square on her birthday, when the lightning struck her and others during a thunderstorm on Aug. 4. Four victims, including Amber Escudero-Kontostathis, suffered critical injuries and were taken to area hospitals.

Donna Mueller, 75, and James Mueller, 76, a couple from Janesville, Wisconsin, and Brooks Lambertson, 29, a Los Angeles bank employee, were identified among the dead, according to authorities.

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[prashanttayshetye]

Never never stabd under a tree. HOPE she gets over her guilt not her fault

[chipsahoy]

The worst thing you can do doing a thunderstorm ⛈ is hiding under a tree 🌳.

[jillfoley]

WOW, thank you for the update. You’re still on this Earth for a reason. There is absolutely no reason to feel “guilty.” You we’re doing CHARITY WORK? Keep doing what you were doing. Hope you’re feeling 100% better soon!🙏📿🇺🇸

[sassylady]

Hard to believe people didn't know not to run under a tree for cover in a thunderstorm. It is well known - even on golf courses, to never take cover under a tree.

[rosita]

You have a Purpose, Amber. In the quiet moments it will be revealed to you. You are a living miracle.

[starshine]

Yes…..don’t ever stand on the ground or under a tree during a storm. Get to an area with concrete so you can stand on concrete…it doesn’t travel through concrete like it travels through plain ground. These people weren’t struck directly….it travelled through the ground. This would have happened whether the tree was struck or not or whether just the ground was struck. So get on concrete….a parking lot….even the sidewalk could have helped…..just don’t stand on plain ground.

[gonebabygone]

Her 28th birthday and the couple's 56th anniversary. And she's beating herself up with survivor guilt. If you're looking, Amber, find someone to talk to about it. You can waste a lot of time in guilt over things that were out of your control.

[devinstephens]

God has a plan for you amen sister for the people who pass you will be in my prayers

[eileenross]

Thank God you are ok. It wasn't your time to go yet! You have beautiful hair, !!

[ReviewBoard-uynv]

I hope she doesn’t blame herself. Lightning striking you is not your fault. Thank God for your taste in shoes!!!

[anntrope]

GET HELP FOR SURVIVOR'S GUILT...YOU WON THE LUCK OF THE DRAW...NOW LIVE EACH DAY WITH APPRECIATION, & IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO DIDN'T MAKE IT !!

[Thundralight]

I thought it was common knowledge not to stand under a tree when it is lightening

[yodservant]

Does anyone know when this incident occurred with the initial lightening strike??

[pennysofe]

May Jehovah watch over you and comfort you, you have no guilt in this. Time and unforseen occurrences befall us; I have seen something further under the sun, that the swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all" ECCLESIASTES 9:11

[jennifersoto]

You survived simply because it wasn't your time. 💛💛💛

[robnewman]

Remember Never take cover under any tree in a Thunder storm! Trees Attract Lightning.

[saffronskies]

You got some things to do ...it's not your time to go.

[gabriellasalinas]

First of all if you know that it's thundering and are walking around expect to get struck by lightning and most of the time die.

[inachu]

There should be a church for lightning strike survivors. I was hit back in 1997.

[mbb]

We were taught to lie flat on the ground