Funeral held for teen struck by lightning in Davie park

In a tragic incident at Vista View Park in Davie, competitive runner Ethan Lawrence lost his life after being struck by lightning on June 30th. Family and friends gathered on Monday to honor his memory, with running coach Elliott Mason recalling a moment of silence during a race on July 4th in remembrance of Lawrence's passing. Witnesses saw Lawrence collapse while lightning was reported in the area around 10:20 a.m. Broward County Parks Department confirmed the activation of lightning predictors at the park, with a worker stating that alarms went off shortly after Lawrence fell. The park had been closed for safety reasons due to the weather at the time of the incident. Hailing from Pembroke Pines, Lawrence was a former runner at Jacksonville University and was in the process of transferring to Nova Southeastern University to pursue a law degree. His girlfriend, Andrea Medina, had given birth to their daughter just six months prior to his untimely death. Described as a "gentle giant" by his mother Lourdes Lawrence, Ethan was remembered by loved ones as a beautiful, smart, and athletic young man. Family friend Sarah Ramsey took to Facebook to express her admiration for Lawrence, highlighting his positive qualities and the impact he had on those around him. The tragic loss of Ethan Lawrence has deeply affected his family and the community, with many expressing their grief and sharing fond memories of the talented young runner. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding his death, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers posed by natural elements, even in seemingly safe environments like parks equipped with lightning detection systems. The legacy of Ethan Lawrence as a dedicated athlete and aspiring student will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, as they come together to mourn his passing and celebrate his life.