The family of a Texas father who was tragically killed by lightning has revealed his touching final words to his son.
On May 15, 34-year-old father Matthew Boggs tragically lost his life when he was struck by a bolt of lightning as he was walking home with his two sons in Valley Mills.
Recalling the heartbreaking story in a GoFundMe campaign, a family member writes that "lightning came out of the sky without warning" and struck the dad.
Devastatingly, due to the fact Matthew was holding hands with his six-year-old son, Grayson, the young boy has also been left in a critical condition and is "fighting for his life" in hospital.
Since the tragedy unfolded, Grayson's older brother, 11-year-old Elijah, has recounted the moment he knew something was wrong.
Speaking to local news station KWTX, Elijah said: "I was really scared. I rolled Grayson over and he was kind of smiling a little bit. I thought they were just joking, but when I rolled my dad over the middle of his head was bleeding and his face was already purple."
Matthew's mom, Angela Boggs, also shared what became her son's final moment with Grayson.
"He just got done telling Grayson... he said, 'I love you buddy'. That’s when the lightning came down," said the grieving mom, who also revealed that she has come to terms with her son's death and is now focused on her grandchildren.
"I always took care of him because he was the one that God gave to me. Now my responsibility is to take care of my grandbabies," she said.
After receiving CPR at the scene, young Grayson was rushed to the McClane Children’s Hospital Baylor Scott and White where family say he is "fighting for his life" and is unresponsive. Since being admitted, doctors are awaiting to see if he has suffered any brain damage.
Grayson is also being treated for pneumonia.
Boggs says that her grandson is now in God's "healing arms", but believes his boisterous attitude will see him recover.
"He’s a rambunctious little boy," she said of her grandson. "He is always, always on the move playing. He goes, ‘Rawww strong.'"
As of this writing, more than $67,000 has been raised for the family, which will be used to cover Matthew's funeral costs, as well as to support his children for their futures.
Per the CDC, lightning can strike anywhere on Earth, but they are more frequent and deadly in southeastern US states, such as Texas.
WSAV Chief Meteorologist Kris Allred has stated that this is the third fatal lightning strike to occur in the US in 2023.
Our thoughts continue to go out to the family and loved ones of the father and son at this time.
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