Florida Mother and Toddler Die After Lightning Strike in Margate

A 31-year-old mother and her 2-year-old daughter died after being struck by lightning on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 23, 2026, outside a family member's home in Margate, Florida, local authorities and family members confirmed.

Emergency responders from the Margate Police Department and Margate Fire Rescue answered a 2:30 p.m. distress call reporting two individuals lying unconscious on a sidewalk along Northwest First Street.

First responders administered CPR before transporting Kenya Glasgow to Broward Health North in Deerfield Beach and her toddler, Kennedi, to Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale under police escort. Both victims were pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the medical facilities.

Husband and father Kam Glasgow stated that his wife and daughter were exiting their vehicle when the bolt struck nearby. The toddler's twin sister remained safe inside the vehicle while he stood roughly 15 feet away during the sudden storm.

"I heard the loudest lightning strike I could hear, thunder, and an orange glow went through my window," said Prince Moody, a neighbor living across the street who witnessed the immediate aftermath.

Moody reflected on the tragedy while emergency crews worked at the scene.

"Imagine the family that’s actually going through this. The father, you know. I have a kid and I can imagine. My thoughts and prayers," said Moody, neighbor.

Local meteorologists noted that weather conditions degraded rapidly in the area, with localized thunderstorms developing directly overhead despite dry conditions just 15 minutes prior. The tragedy marks the fourth lightning-related death in Florida in 2026, according to regional weather data, keeping the state among the highest nationwide for lightning hazards.

"It’s the worst feeling in the world to turn around and see your wife and your daughter there lifeless," said Kam Glasgow, husband and father of the victims.

Glasgow recalled the early beginnings of his relationship with his wife during high school.

"We’ve been together since our senior year of high school," said Glasgow, husband.

He expressed deep grief over the sudden loss of his family members.

"It’s extremely hard, and I thought my biggest blessing was God sending my two daughters to me once my dad passed," said Glasgow, husband.

Glasgow shared additional thoughts on social media following the incident.

"I lost my best friend. My daughter just lost her best friend," said Glasgow, husband.

He expressed gratitude to those who reached out and offered comfort.

"My babies didn’t suffer. I’m hurt. We are hurt, but if you’ve gotten the chance to feel that beautiful light my wife and daughter brought into your life, cherish it. It’s there for a reason," said Glasgow, husband.

Glasgow added a final tribute online addressed to his late wife and daughter.

"I Thank You Both For Choosing Me As Your Husband And Father. Don’t worry about Kensli and I. I know you both have us covered for the rest of our lives. We will make you both our story and take it one day at time because I know you both are guiding us," said Glasgow, husband.

"Despite the life-saving efforts of first responders and medical personnel, both victims were pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at the hospitals," said Margate police, official department statement.

Local weather experts cautioned that lightning strikes can routinely occur five to ten miles outside of active rainfall zones.

"There were very electrically charged thunderstorms yesterday," said Nico Porcelli, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Miami.

Porcelli emphasized basic lightning safety guidelines during summer storm conditions.

"With summer thunderstorms, lightning is always a threat. Lightning strikes can happen five to 10 miles outside of a thunderstorm," said Porcelli, meteorologist.

He reiterated standard protocol when thunder is detected nearby.

"We try to tell people, when thunder roars, go indoors," said Porcelli, meteorologist.

Porcelli urged residents to stay vigilant during sudden local storms.

"When you hear thunder, you are at risk," said Porcelli, meteorologist.

Police stated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains open.