Key Point Summary – Teen Struck by Lightning in Central Park

• Yassin Khalifa, 15, was struck by lightning in Central Park’s East Meadow
• He leaned on a tree for shelter just before the bolt hit near 101st St and 5th Ave
• The teen was knocked unconscious and suffered burns to his neck and leg
• He survived with no nerve damage, despite his spine being against the tree
• Lightning strikes the U.S. 40 million times a year, but human strikes are rare
• Fewer than 450 people were struck between 2006–2021, with 90% surviving
• Khalifa called himself “pretty lucky” from his hospital bed

A Day in the Park Turns into a Near-Fatal Storm

What started as a relaxing afternoon picnic nearly turned into tragedy when 15-year-old Yassin Khalifa was struck by lightning in Central Park. The high school sophomore was hanging out with friends in the East Meadow Thursday when dark clouds rolled in overhead.

Thinking the storm would blow over, Khalifa made a fateful call. He leaned against a tree to shelter from the rain and told his friends, “Let’s ride it out.” Moments later, a bolt of lightning struck that very tree—knocking him unconscious and burning parts of his body.

Knocked Out Cold by the Bolt

The lightning hit just before 3:40 p.m. near 101st Street and 5th Avenue, sending a surge through the tree—and through Yassin. His friends watched in horror as he collapsed. He was unresponsive for several minutes before being rushed to New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center by ambulance.

“I woke up in the ambulance,” he told ABC 7 News. From his hospital bed, Khalifa remained calm and even grateful: “Apparently, I’m pretty lucky, because my spine was directly against the tree and no nerve damage happened.”

Second-Degree Burns—but No Broken Spirit

Doctors treated Khalifa for second-degree burns on his neck and leg. The teen remained composed as he recalled the surreal moment. “It might not have been the best idea,” he admitted about sheltering under the tree. But incredibly, the only physical reminders of his brush with death are burn marks—no internal injuries, no permanent damage.

Lightning Strikes Are Rare—but Real

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lightning hits the ground in the United States 40 million times every year. But the odds of being personally struck? Less than 1 in a million.

Between 2006 and 2021, just 444 Americans were hit by lightning—and more than 90% survived. Still, the experience can leave emotional and physical scars.

Lessons from a Lucky Survivor

Khalifa’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how unpredictable nature can be—and how quick decisions in bad weather can have serious consequences. Shelter under a tree during a lightning storm may seem logical, but it’s one of the most dangerous places to be.

Despite the trauma, the teen hasn’t lost his sense of humor or humility. “Pretty lucky,” he repeated from the hospital, with a soft smile.

NYC Breathes a Sigh of Relief

Back in Central Park, the area near East Meadow has returned to normal, but the tree that nearly became fatal stands as a silent warning. Khalifa’s family and friends are reportedly grateful—and amazed—he escaped with his life.

With summer storms rolling in, his story might just be the wake-up call New Yorkers didn’t know they needed.