A 15-year-old golfer, Aeyavarin Pradubyart, died and her caddy, Saitharn Boonkerd, 31, was injured when lightning struck during a tournament at the Lotus Valley Golf Resort in Chachoengsao, Thailand. The incident occurred Sunday afternoon as heavy rain lashed the course.
Pradubyart was putting on the 11th hole when lightning struck, knocking both her and Boonkerd unconscious. Officials had suspended the tournament due to the downpour, but the two were later found on the course. Pradubyart reportedly suffered severe burns. Both received CPR at the scene before being transported to Bang Nam Priao Hospital in critical condition. Pradubyart was subsequently transferred to Phutthasothon Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on Monday.
Pradubyart's mother stated that the lightning first struck near pine trees on the green, followed by several more strikes, before the heavy rain and thunder prompted an official suspension. She also claimed there was a delay in transporting her daughter to the hospital due to the unavailability of an ambulance at the golf course.
The tournament organizers expressed their deep sadness and extended condolences to Pradubyart's family. They stated an investigation is underway to gather all facts. The third round of the competition, originally scheduled for November 7, has been postponed. The injured caddy remains under close medical supervision.
Pradubyart was a promising young golfer with multiple awards and provincial-level competition experience. She was a registered member of the Thai Student Golf Union and had recently won a junior tour event in March. She was considered a rising star in junior golf.