A promising 15-year-old golfer has died after being struck by lightning during a youth tournament in Thailand, sparking outrage from her grieving family, who claim organizers ignored repeated warning signs of dangerous weather before the tragedy.
Aeyavarin “Aeya” Pradubyart, an award-winning junior golfer with a bright future in the sport, was competing near the 11th hole of a golf course in Thailand’s Chachoengsao province on Sunday, November 1, when lightning struck around 4 p.m.
The powerful electrical strike also injured her 31-year-old caddie, identified as Saithan, who was standing nearby.
Emergency responders found Aeya unconscious and without vital signs. Rescuers immediately performed CPR and managed to restore her heartbeat before rushing her to Bang Nam Priao Hospital.
However, the teenager had suffered devastating injuries, and her condition remained critical. She was later transferred to another hospital for specialized treatment, where doctors continued fighting to save her life.
According to her family, Aeya’s heart had stopped for nearly an hour before medical personnel managed to revive her. She required repeated resuscitation attempts throughout the night but ultimately died Monday, November 2.
In an especially heartbreaking detail, Aeya’s father was working in Myanmar when the tragedy occurred. He rushed back to Thailand and managed to reach the hospital in time to say goodbye to his daughter.
Her devastated mother, Natcha Izy Samitintu, later shared an emotional tribute describing her daughter’s final fight for survival.
“You fought so hard, my beloved Aeya. Rest in peace, my darling,” she wrote in a message translated from Thai.
But as the family mourned, troubling questions began emerging about why the tournament had continued despite reports of lightning in the area.
Aeya’s mother said she witnessed lightning strike near pine trees beside the golf course around 3 p.m., approximately an hour before her daughter was injured.
According to the family, additional lightning strikes followed, yet the young golfers were allegedly allowed to continue competing.
Aeya’s grandmother, Aphorn Pradubyart, also questioned why officials did not suspend play earlier, saying the dangerous weather had already become apparent before the fatal strike.
The family further alleged that no ambulance was stationed at the course, potentially delaying Aeya’s transport to the hospital after the emergency.
Those allegations have not been independently verified, and tournament organizers have not publicly provided a detailed explanation of their decision-making or emergency procedures.
Aeya’s mother is now demanding stronger safeguards to prevent another family from experiencing a similar tragedy.
“May Aeya’s case be the first and the last of its kind involving a youth golfer,” she wrote.
She urged golf courses and tournament organizers to adopt comprehensive lightning safety protocols, including procedures for immediately suspending play and responding to medical emergencies.
The tragedy has devastated Thailand’s junior golf community, where Aeya had already established herself as an accomplished young athlete.
A registered member of the Thai Student Golf Union, she had competed in numerous youth tournaments and earned recognition for her talent and dedication.
In March, she won the girls’ Class B division during the opening event of the 2026 Junior Asian Tour, marking an important milestone in her developing career.
She had also represented her province in golf competitions and was reportedly being considered as a reserve player for Chonburi’s provincial team.
With more tournaments scheduled throughout the year, Aeya had been steadily building a reputation as one of the country’s promising young golfers.
Her sudden death has also renewed concerns about the risks of lightning during outdoor sporting events, particularly on golf courses, where players may be exposed across large, open areas.
Safety experts generally advise suspending outdoor activities immediately when thunder is heard or lightning is detected nearby. Golfers should seek shelter inside a substantial building or fully enclosed vehicle rather than remaining on the course.
Meanwhile, the injured caddie was reported to be receiving medical treatment and remained under close observation following the strike.
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