Colorado teen killed by lightning strike while trying to protect younger brother, family says

A 15-year-old boy was killed by a lightning strike as he attempted to protect his younger brother at the summit of Mt. Blue Sky in Colorado, according to his family and law enforcement officials.

Clear Creek County public safety agencies said they received a report at 1:22 p.m. Sunday of a lightning strike that may have injured a person at the summit, according to the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office.

The Clear Creek Fire Authority, Clear Creek EMS, Denver Mountain Parks, Alpine Rescue Team and the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene where the Denver Mountain Parks rangers immediately began life-saving measures on the victim, but he could not be revived, the sheriff's office said.

The Clear Creek County Coroner's Office later identified the victim as 15-year-old Levi Strobel, according to the sheriff's office.

A second victim, Levi's younger brother, was airlifted by Flight For Life Colorado to a Denver-area hospital, the sheriff's office further said. Authorities did not provide an update on his condition as of Tuesday morning.

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"Our family is heartbroken by the sudden death of our beloved Levi, who was struck by lightning on Mt. Blue Sky," Strobel’s family said in a statement. "Levi was deeply loved as a son, brother, family member, and friend. He brought immeasurable joy into the world and into the lives of everyone who knew him."

"In his final moments, Levi showed the courage and selflessness that characterized his life, seeking to protect his younger brother, who was with him on the mountain. He was a brave and loving brother, and we will always remember the devotion he showed to those he loved," the family’s statement continued.

The brothers were hiking with a group of five people, the sheriff's office said. Two other members of the group, both adult men, suffered minor injuries and were not taken to a hospital.

"Together, we extend our condolences to the family, loved ones, and victims of this tragedy," the sheriff's office statement further said. "We respectfully request privacy for the victims and their families."