A young California bank executive has been identified as the third person killed in a lightning strike caught on camera near the White House last week.
Brooks Lambertson, a 29-year-old vice president at City National Bank in Los Angeles, was identified by D.C. police as the third fatality in Thursday night’s strike that also left a fourth person in critical condition.
He was killed alongside James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, childhood sweethearts from Wisconsin who were in the capital celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary.
The four had been in Lafayette Park, yards from the White House fence, when cameras caught a huge bolt hitting a nearby tree.
City National Bank said Sunday it was “devastated to learn of the sudden death of one of our colleagues.”
“Brooks was an amazing young man who will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and unwavering positivity,” the bank said.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his loving family, his many friends and our colleagues. His joyful spirit will live on in our hearts,” the bank said.
Brooks Lambertson, a 29-year-old bank executive from Los Angeles, was identified as the third person killed in a lightning strike near the White House last week. .REUTERS
The news prompted tributes for Lambertson, who previously worked as a marketing manager for the LA Clippers and was in D.C. on business when he was hit.
“He was a pleasure to work with and a wonderful colleague!” said one surprised employee, while another wrote about how they “loved working with him.”
Brooks always lit up the room with his millionaire smile,” wrote that colleague, while another praised his “generosity” and “kindness and unwavering positive energy.”
The fourth person, an unidentified woman, was listed in critical condition Friday, the police department said. There was no immediate update early Sunday.
Lambertson was in DC on a business trip. @dcfireems via AP Wisconsin Couple James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, also died in the lightning strike. Facebook/WISN 12 NEWS
Secret Service agents had been among the first to respond to the tragedy and provide first aid, officials announced last week.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration was “saddened by the tragic loss of life.”
“This is the village house. It should be a place that everyone can see,” he said.
With post cables