Florida Boy Dies on His 12th Birthday after Lightning Struck during a Rowing Lesson

A youngster had the rest of his life ahead of him. He was working toward building a bright future for himself, but fate had other plans—his big dreams came to a shocking end after a terrible and unexpected accident.

Children often let their imaginations run wild, believing in the impossible and living life optimistically. For one young boy, the world was a playground, and he enjoyed everything it offered.

He loved playing sports and made many new friends by winning them over with his great sense of humor. Nobody expected such a bright light would be blown out abruptly.

A One-Of-A-Kind Boy

Langston Rodriguez-Sane was excited for his middle school rowing practice on Lake Fairview in Orlando, Florida. It was a routine part of his schedule and something he loved doing. He had a blast learning new skills and improving his rowing techniques alongside his teammates.

The lightning freak accident affected more than one family on the fateful September day.

The young boy was known for his infectious joy and smoldering smile. He was also described as someone who was “uniquely and unapologetically himself.”

The Devastating Incident

Rodriguez-Sane connected with everyone he met and made them feel valued and seen. He possessed a variety of commendable qualities that indicated he would grow into a respectable and well-loved man.

However, the trajectory of his life was altered forever on September 15, 2022. While the youngster was out on Lake Fairview, an unexpected bolt of lightning struck him and led to devastating repercussions.

Flowers on the water at Lake Fairview, Orlando, Florida. | Source: youtube.com/WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando

A Life Taken Too Soon

Rodriguez-Sane was not alone on the canoe; his three heroic teammates and coach righted the boat, bringing him to shore. He was taken to the hospital, where medical staff did their best to save his life.

Tragically, it was too late. Rodriguez-Sane, a “true gift” to everyone who knew him, passed away on his 12th birthday.

His family, who had prepared to celebrate another year with him, had to mourn his loss instead. It was a gut-wrenching loss for loved ones and came out of nowhere, displaying the undeniable fragility of life.

Candles and flowers for Langston Rodriguez-Sane and Gavin Christman. | Source: youtube.com/WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando

Saying Goodbye to Another Youngster

The lightning freak accident affected more than one family on the fateful September day—also on the boat was Gavin Christman. The horrific bolt struck him, and because the boat capsized, finding him was challenging.

Christman was missing for “24 agonizing hours” until a rescue team eventually found his lifeless body. His friends and family were grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye to him.

It Was a Loss for the World

Much like Rodriguez-Sane, Christman, 13, was a bright light in the world. He was described as someone who “reached the soul of every person he met.”

His sensitive and insightful nature made him a joy to be around. His grandfather said:

“This is a loss for the world. This kid was going to be president someday.”

Pray for the Families

The world undoubtedly lost two of its brightest lights, but for the boys’ families, the loss was much more personal. They would feel the pain for a long time to come.

On a GoFundMe page created in honor of Rodriguez-Sane and Christman, the North Orlando Rowing Club (NOR) asked people for support. They wrote:

“Thank you for your support of these families during this time of unfathomable grief. We ask you to pray for Gavin’s and Langston’s families as they face what will be a long, painful journey of healing ahead.”

Community Support

By September 27, 2022, more than $45,000 had been donated by caring people to assist the grief-stricken families. NOR also shared their pain following the shocking ordeal and revealed their entire community was “devastated.”

NOR noted that they were cooperating with the authorities investigating the horrific ordeal. They added: “Until the investigation is complete, we are unable to provide further comment.”

Dozens of people gathered at Lake Fairview on September 18, 2022, for an emotional vigil. Kim Watson was one of many people who wanted to show the families that they were not alone. She expressed:

“I pray for the family and the poor kids who survived this and witnessed it. I just can’t imagine it.”

Balloons and flowers for Langston Rodriguez-Sane and Gavin Christman. | Source: youtube.com/WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando

The Farewell Party

Rodriguez-Sane’s family gave their fallen angel a farewell party, and something remarkable happened after mentioning that he loved motorcycles. A group of bikers rode around the Advent Health Children’s Hospital where the youngster was being kept.

They wanted to honor him and show their support—and they did just that. The gesture likely meant the world to Rodriguez-Sane’s loved ones.

Christman’s parents announced plans for a celebration of his life in Orlando. They were thankful for the outpouring of love and shared their desire to create an online journal about their precious boy.

His passing was just a small part of his story, and there was much more they wanted the world to know about him. We wish them well with this noble endeavor and send condolences to both families during this difficult time.

Click here for a story about a Pennsylvania boy who had just turned six. He was loved by many people and had a smile that could light up a room.