Community mourns rowers, 12 and 13, who drowned in Florida lake after lightning strike capsized their boat
ORLANDO, FLORIDA: Two children drowned to death after a bolt of lightning struck a young group of rowers practicing on Florida's Lake Fairview, causing their boat to capsize on September 15. According to a GoFundMe post, Langston Rodriguez-Sane, 12, and Gavin Christman, 13, died in the accident that also left three others injured.
Authorities have said Gavin was found dead as he was pulled out from the water after going missing for 24 hours, while Langston held on to his life for two weeks before succumbing to his injuries on his 12th birthday, after being hospitalized in critical condition. Three out of the five children who were rowing with the North Orlando Rowing, a nonprofit sports club, safely returned to their families after medical treatment.
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"We wish to shine a spotlight on the beauty and joy that Gavin and Langston brought into this world," the GoFundMe page reads. "Gavin’s warm eyes and loving heart reached the soul of every person he met. He had a sensitivity and insightfulness that far exceeded his 13 years of life. Gavin’s charming, good looks, keen intellect, and quick wit brought laughter to even the most mundane of situations." It continued, "Langston was a bright light in this world. He was welcomed into heaven on his 12th birthday as family and friends gathered to celebrate the infectious joy that he brought to so many lives. Langston had a playful sense of humor that made those around him laugh and smile, especially his big sister. He was uniquely and unapologetically himself."
North Orlando Rowing said in a Facebook post on September 24, "It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of a second rower involved in last Thursday’s weather-related tragedy." The post continued, "The NOR community is devastated and continues to focus on supporting our affected families and our entire NOR team during this difficult time."
The company added, "We continue to cooperate with local authorities and USRowing as they investigate the incident. Until the investigation is complete, we are unable to provide further comment." It concluded, "We are beyond grateful for the outpouring of love and concern from around the world. Please continue to hold our families in your prayers."
According to FOX35, there were no storm warnings in place in the immediate vicin on the day of the accident, although there were storms in the general area near Lake Fairview. It remains unknown why the children were rowing in the dangerous weather unsupervised. It is also unclear whether the lightning struck near the boat or hit the boat itself.
