Young footballer dead after being struck by lightning

A woman has died after being struck by lightning at a sporting complex on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, with her close-knit family in disbelief at how her life could be “taken away in a minute”.

Finley Bone, a 21-year-old who played and coached at the Noosa Lions Football Club, had been practicing goal kicking at the Cooroy Sporting Complex’s soccer fields when she was struck late on Thursday afternoon.

Paramedics rushed to her aid, and she was transported to Nambour Hospital in a critical condition but could not be revived.

Queensland police said a report would be prepared for the state coroner.

The woman’s family released a statement expressing their shock.

“No one can believe this happened,” it said.

“Our heartfelt thanks to emergency teams who responded in minutes and the ED at Nambour Hospital. They gave us next-level care.”

Bone’s football club said they were devastated by the tragic loss, remembering her as a much-loved member of their women’s team and coach of the under-12 and under-13 girls’ team.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to … all Finley’s family and friends,” they said.

The Cooroora United Football Club also issued a statement on social media, saying “those in and around the grounds, including both members and emergency services, showed admirable action, respect and care for each other”.

“We ask our CUFC community remain respectful online, avoid any unhelpful speculation, and check-in with one another,” it said.

Acknowledging the distress caused to witnesses, the club urged anyone impacted by the incident to reach out for support.

More volatile weather is forecast for the weekend, with severe supercell storms predicted to hit Queensland’s south-east again on Saturday.

AAP