UPDATED Sunday, August 19, 2012 --- 6:02 p.m.
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota authorities have identified a 9-year-old Wisconsin boy who was fatally injured by a lightning strike on a Lake Superior beach.
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office says Luke Voigt, of Iron River, Wis., was flown to a Duluth hospital after the lightning strike on Saturday, but was pronounced dead after efforts to revive him failed.
The sheriff's office also says his 7-year-old brother, Daniel Voigt, was on shore during the lightning strike and was not injured.
The boys were among eight family members and friends who were on a sailboat that took refuge from a rapidly approaching thunderstorm on the end of Minnesota Point, near the Superior Entry to the Duluth-Superior harbor.
Four others in the group were taken to Duluth hospitals with what authorities described as severe but not life-threatening injuries.
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Posted Sunday, August 19, 2012 --- 2:05 p.m.
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota authorities say a lightning strike on a Lake Superior beach injured eight people, including a 9-year-old Wisconsin boy who later died.
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said Sunday that all eight were on a sailboat that took refuge from a rapidly approaching thunderstorm on Minnesota Point, near the Superior Entry to the Duluth-Superior harbor, about 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Lighting struck before they could get off the boat, but one person was able to call 911.
Law enforcement and rescue agencies rushed there by boat and ATV.
The 9-year-old boy from Iron River, Wis., was flown to a Duluth hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His name has not been released. Four others were taken to Duluth hospitals with what authorities described as severe but not life-threatening injuries.