Lightning strike kills woman

Posted to Police Beat by Will Guldin at 2:33 p.m., June 18, 2009

Wednesday night's thunderstorms have resulted in the death of one Waynesville resident. The Boone County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Georgette Tillett, 23, was killed last night as a result of a lightning strike occouring around 7:30 p.m.

A Boone County Fire Protection District news release stated Tillet, a recent graduate of Central Methodist University, was fishing with two other subjects at the Rocky Fork Conservation Area when the weather began to worsen. As they were leaving the area, Tillet was hit by lightning as she crossed a large open field. Both of her companions were unharmed by the strike.

The fire department responded to the scene but the news release stated because of recent rains four vehicles were stuck as they were trying to locate the victim. After she was found, the fire department continued to perform CPR, which had been administered by one of her companions until then, and they then requested the Staff for Life Helicopter several times to evacuate the victim, but weather conditions meant the helicopter could not be used.

After she was carried by firefighters to a flatbed pick-up truck, the victim was then taken to a waiting ambulance. The victim then arrived at University Hospital unconscious and not breathing and was announced dead at 8:32 p.m. according to the Boone County Medical Examiner's Office.

Simple precautions can help prevent people from being struck by lightning. If you are outdoors, avoid large open spaces and do not take shelter near trees. Small structures such as outdoor picnic buildings should also be avoided. If lightning is striking near you, crouch down and stay at least 15 feet away from anyone you are with and seek immediate shelter indoors.

If you are inside during a thunderstorm do not use anything that puts your body in direct contact with electricity. This includes any appliance or device that is plugged in. Also, refrain from taking showers or baths during a storm.

Finally, if you see someone struck by lightning call 911 immediately. It is possible to prevent deaths if action is taken right away.