Friday, July 15, 2011

Prayer Requests -

South Salt Lake Boy Scout killed by lightning identified- Deseret News Article

SOUTH SALT LAKE — A family spokesman has identified the 12-year-old Boy Scout who was killed Wednesday after being struck by lightning at Scofield Reservoir.

David Rayborn, 12, died after being struck around 10:30 a.m. in the middle of a fast-moving hailstorm, according to his bishop with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Matthew Parson. Fellow Scout Sean Smith, 12, was also struck and injured.




•Lightning kills 12-year-old Scout at Scofield Reservoir, another scout drowns in Bear Lake – July 14, 2011
Members of the Scout troop from the Granite Park LDS Stake in South Salt Lake were heading to seek cover at their campsite when the hailstorm moved in.
Leaders and other Scouts saw the lightning hit David and emergency responders and a medical helicopter were called to the scene. CPR was performed on the boy, but he was pronounced dead around 12:35 p.m.
Scout leaders reported to park officials that they didn't know Sean had been struck by lightning as well until about 45 minutes later. Sean suffered some burns and was treated at an area hospital.
In a statement released Thursday, David's parents John and Connie Rayborn called Sean a hero for doing what he could to help their son. They also announced that an account had been opened with Utah First Credit Union in the name of Connie Rayborn.
"No words can describe the pain and sorrow that we are feeling due to the tragic loss of our beloved son," they said. "We would like to thank those that tried to render first aid. David was a wonderful, caring boy who will be sorely missed."
In the statement, the Rayborn's said that Sean Smith's parents do not wish to release a statement at this time but that Sean is doing well and resting at home.
Scofield Scout Camp is situated near the north end of Scofield Reservoir and typically has about 350 Scouts in attendance this week, plus 75 adult leaders and camp staff, officials from the Utah National Parks Council said. Scouts sleep in tents and participate in aquatics programs — most of which are out in the open.
Officials said Scout leaders are required to take a hazardous weather training course every two years. The storm that killed David prompted camp staff to activate an emergency evacuation plan, which had to be initiated again later in the morning when a second storm hit.
According to the National Weather Service, there were two lightning-related injuries in Utah in 2010. The last lightning-related death occurred in 2007.

We are saddened by the loss of this young scout and the injury of his best friend. Both David Rayborn and Sean Smith's families are in our assigned Inner City Mission Ward. I am requesting prayers for these families. Losing a child is one of the hardest of all losses to a family. I also am deeply saddened for Sean; he has lost his best friend.

I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have that "Families Can Be Together Forever." I pray for these families to feel the comfort of the Spirit during this difficult time.

5 comments:

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

I read this story of KSL. My heart just break for their family. I'm also so grateful for eternal families and pray for them to find comfort.

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

Hi Leanne,

Please delete this comment. I didn't know what your email is, but if you have a minute to email me I can give you an idea to help the commenting hopefully work.
grumpygratefulmom@gmail.com

Susan Anderson said...

What a tragedy. The gospel comforts, but the grief must be overwhelming for this family.

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Just Ramblin' said...

I was saddened to hear about these young men. My heart goes out to their families and pray that they may find comfort and peace. How grateful I am also that "Families Can Be Together Forever." Nola

Anonymous said...

Praying for them right now, LeAnn.