4th victim struck by lightning near White House identified as Newbury Park woman
The fourth person who was struck by lightning on Thursday during a lightning storm in Washington D.C. is recovering at a hospital in the nation's capital.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis, 28, was collecting donations just outside the White House last week to help Ukrainian victims.
She was doing her part to help out others less fortunate than her on her birthday.
Fortunately for Escudero-Kontostathis, she survived the lightning strike but three other people did not.
Escudero-Kontostathis' parents left their home in Ventura County to be by their daughter's side, but expressed sorrow for the three others who were killed in the lightning strike.
"We are very grateful that Amber is on the way to a full recovery, and our hearts and thoughts go out to the family and friends who lost their loved ones in this tragic event," a statement from the family said.
Family and friends told CBSLA Reporter Tena Ezzeddine that even though she is in pain, Escudero-Kontostathis has walked a few steps and is making progress.
A GoFund Me page is now set up for Ambers medical expenses. It has already raised more than $40,000.
Brooks A. Lambertson, a Los Angeles resident who formerly worked for the Clippers and was a vice president for City National Bank, died from his injuries after being struck by lightning. He was 29-years-old.
Additionally, an elderly Wisconsin couple were killed by the lightning strike as well. The couple was celebrating its 56-year wedding anniversary.
Escudero-Kontostathis is expected to make a full recovery. She is a couple weeks away from beginning her master's program at John Hopkins University.
