Posted on 07/25/2007 8:16:51 AM PDT by Gamecock
50-year-old pastor from a church here in San Antonio was killed Tuesday afternoon after he was hit by a bolt of lightning while hiking with his two teenage sons, authorities told News 4 WOAI. The man and his two sons were hiking in the Lost Maples State Natural Area near Vanderpool close to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. It started raining and the family went to seek cover under a cedar tree, Bandera County Sheriff Don Berger said. The father was then hit by lightning and died instantly, officials said.
The park is located about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio.
Members of the Grace Fellowship Baptist Church told News 4 WOAI Tuesday night it was their pastor, William Clardy, who was killed by the lightning strike. He had been at the church for more than three years.
After the lightning strike, Clardy's 18-year-old son ran for help. But a responding park ranger and medic could not revive Clardy.
"We were too late when we got there," Lost Maples Lead Park Ranger Bill Bailey said. "He was already deceased."
The 18-year-old and his 14-year-old brother suffered non-life-threatening injuries. They were rushed to University Hospital.
"There were mostly burn marks around their ankles where the lightning passed through," Bailey said.
Prayers to his family and church.
Wow, irony is a b!tch.
What’s ironic about it?
God calling a preacher home via lightning bolt.
Well, I guess he wasn’t popular with the right crowd.
Here's the instructive part: ...the family went to seek cover under a cedar tree
Natural mistake, but don't do this in a potential lightning storm.
Dan
Hint, don’t run under a tree during a thunderstorm. You’ll still get wet, and you may get hit by lightning.
Very sad. Prayers up.
OK. I guess I don’t associate random natural occurrences with “God calling someone home.” It’s just being in the wrong place at the right time.
Condolences to the family.
Physics: the way God works it.
For those who might wish to send condolences:
Grace Fellowship Baptist Church
7804 Eckhert Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78240
Email:gfbc@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (210) 684-2329 Fax: (210) 684-2346
I’m a little late in finding this post, but thanks for the information.
Condolences sent....
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