Tree struck by lightningPEACHTREE CITY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
A lightning strike in Fayette County killed one man and injured another. It happened at the Batter Way boat docks on Peachtree Lake when the men took shelter from the storm.
Peachtree City Fire spokesman Ron Mundy identified the deceased victim as Burnette Hayes. He was 52-years-old.
"See where it starts?" said Kurtis Jeffcoat, pointing out the scarred tree trunk which was struck by lightning Friday night. "It shoots all the way down."
Storms rolled in quickly, and Jeffcoat was on the shore fishing when he saw two men pulling their boat out of the water.
"They had just come in from fishing and was under the tree letting the rain go down before they put the boat on the trailer," said Jeffcoat.
Jeffcoat watched in horror as lightning struck the tree, injuring the two men standing below.
"I ran over and told the person in the golf cart to call 911," he said. "I did CPR on one of the guys; the other guy was breathing and was responsive."
Authorities haven't identified the two victims who were rushed to area hospitals. Jeffcoat's CPR training kicked in, potentially saving the two fishermen's lives.
"One guy didn't look too good, I was hoping he'd make it," he said. "We did CPR as long as we could."
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