Hero boy, 15, killed by lightning strike sacrificed himself to save younger brother's life, stricken family says

By JOE HUTCHISON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 19:27, 29 July 2026 | Updated: 19:51, 29 July 2026 A Colorado teenager was killed in a lightning strike after sacrificing himself to save his younger brother, his family said.  Levi Strobel, 15, died on Sunday at the summit of Mount Blue Sky in the Centennial State when he was hit by a bolt of electricity during a storm.  According to his family, he died saving his younger brother Jace, 13, who was also injured in the strike that claimed the life of the boy.  Emergency teams responded to the summit and lifesaving measures were performed on the teenager but he could not be revived, while Jace was flown to a hospital.  According to Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office, the two boys were hiking with two adult males who also suffered minor injuries but were not taken to hospital.  Levi's family said in a statement: 'Levi was deeply loved as a son, brother, family member, and friend.  'He brought immeasurable joy into the world and into the lives of everyone who knew him.  'That joy was rooted in his relationship with Jesus Christ and nurtured by the deep love he shared with his family. 'In his final moments, Levi showed the courage and selflessness that characterized his life, seeking to protect his younger brother, who was with him on the mountain.' The 15-year-old died after saving his younger brother from a lightning strike, his family said in a statement  His grief-stricken parents Sara and Dain Strobel, pictured with Levi and his brothers Jace, Deaj and Kai, described him as bring 'immeasurable joy' to their lives It continued: 'He was a brave and loving brother, and we will always remember the devotion he showed to those he loved.  'Although our grief is profound, we hold firmly to the hope Levi shared with our family: faith in Jesus Christ, who is able to save and who promises eternal life to those who trust in Him. That hope is sustaining us now. 'We are grateful for the compassion, prayers, and support that have been extended to our family.  'Please honor Levi’s memory by remembering his joyful spirit, his faith, his bravery, and the love he showed for his family.' Locals have since rallied around his grief-stricken parents Sara and Dain Strobel and his three brothers, Jace, Deaj, 17, and Kai, 11, with a GoFundMe page.  A post said that Sara and Dain remained by Jace's hospital bed as he recovered and that they remained 'hopeful.' It continued: 'Those who know Sara and Dain know they have dedicated their lives to serving others with generous hearts and unwavering faith.  'They have been a source of encouragement, compassion, and service to so many.  'Now it is our privilege to surround them with that same love and support as they walk through this unimaginable season.' The two brothers were hiking with two adult males who also suffered minor injuries but were not taken to hospital Emergency teams responded to the summit, seen here, and lifesaving measures were performed on the teenager but he could not be revived His younger brother Jace is seen here in an image shared to the family's fundraising appeal The fundraiser has so far raised over $84,000 as of Wednesday afternoon, with a target set at $100,000.  According to the National Lightning Safety Council, Levi was the sixth person to be killed in a strike this year.  Since his death on Sunday, two other deaths have been reported in Wisconsin and New Jersey. The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office added: 'Together, we extend our condolences to the family, loved ones, and victims of this tragedy.'