Boy, 12, dead after lightning strikes

June 4, 2009 - 1:49pm

A lone bunch of flowers is propped against the field at Lee Hill Park. (WTOP Photo/Kristi King)

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - A 12-year-old Spotsylvania boy is dead and a fellow Little League player fighting for his life after lightning struck a field Wednesday.

Chelal Matos was struck at 6:26 p.m. at Lee Hill Park, south of Fredericksburg, says 1st Sgt. Liz Scott of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

After umpires called off the boys' Spotsylvania Little League game due to lightning, the boys started playing catch near the field.

The lightning bolt struck the 12-year-old and may have jumped to the 11-year-old, Scott says.

Two nurses at the game started CPR until emergency crews arrived.

The older boy, who attended Chancellor Middle School, died at Mary Washington Hospital. The younger one, who was airlifted to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, is said to be in grave condition.

Grief counselors are at Chancellor Middle School in Fredericksburg Thursday.

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. - A 12-year-old Spotsylvania boy is dead and a fellow Little League player fighting for his life after lightning struck a field Wednesday.

Chelal Matos was struck at 6:26 p.m. at Lee Hill Park, south of Fredericksburg, says 1st Sgt. Liz Scott of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office.

After umpires called off the boys' Spotsylvania Little League game due to lightning, the boys started playing catch near the field.

The lightning bolt struck the 12-year-old and may have jumped to the 11-year-old, Scott says.

Two nurses at the game started CPR until emergency crews arrived.

Grief counselors are at Chancellor Middle School in Fredericksburg Thursday.

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