Teen Survives Lightning Strike in Central Park and Calls Himself Lucky to Be Alive

A Calm Picnic Turns into a Shocking Ordeal

What began as a fun afternoon among friends quickly turned into a life-altering experience for 15-year-old Yassin Khalifa. The high school sophomore had been enjoying a picnic in Central Park, New York City, when a fast-moving thunderstorm swept across the area on Thursday, June 20, 2025.

As the storm rolled in with dark clouds and rumbling thunder, Khalifa suggested to his friends that they stay put and wait it out beneath a tree. “I leaned up against a tree, and I told them, ‘Oh, guys, let’s ride out the storm,’” he later recalled. “Which in hindsight might not have been the best idea.”

Struck and Unconscious in an Instant

In a matter of seconds, what seemed like a harmless choice turned critical. A lightning bolt struck the tree Khalifa was leaning against, rendering him unconscious. The force of the lightning knocked him out for several minutes, shocking both his body and those around him.

Seventeen-year-old Crystal Mateo, who witnessed the terrifying moment, described the chaos that followed. “It was scary,” she said. “I was crying. His friends were calling for help and trying to wake him up.”

Rushed to the Hospital with Burns

Emergency services responded swiftly, and Khalifa was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Despite the severity of the incident, he regained consciousness during the ride and was alert when he arrived for treatment. Doctors treated him for burns on his neck and leg—common injuries in lightning strike cases—but were amazed at how minimal the damage was considering the circumstances.

A Remarkable Recovery

Doctors expect Khalifa to make a full recovery, and remarkably, he suffered no permanent injuries. “Apparently, I’m pretty lucky,” he said. “My spine was directly against the tree, but no nerve damage happened. So I’m not losing any sort of motor function.”

His words reflect a sense of gratitude that many in similar situations might not be able to express. Khalifa is among the fortunate 90 percent of people who survive lightning strikes, a statistic reported by health authorities in the United States.

The Rare Yet Real Danger of Lightning

While lightning strikes are dramatic and often feared, fatal outcomes are relatively rare. Each year in the United States, lightning is responsible for about 30 deaths. However, the vast majority of those struck—around nine out of ten—survive, though often with lingering effects.

The incident in Central Park is a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the importance of taking shelter away from trees and open spaces during a thunderstorm.

A Lesson Learned and a Story to Tell

As Khalifa continues to recover, he reflects on the experience with a surprising mix of humor and wisdom. His story serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to resilience.

“I’m pretty happy about that,” he said, referring to his recovery and the absence of serious injuries. While his decision to ride out the storm may not have been the best, his survival is nothing short of extraordinary—and one he will remember for the rest of his life.