A rising young Thai golf star has died after being struck by lightning during a tournament outside of Bangkok on the weekend.
Aeyavarin Pradubyart had been on the green of the 11th hole at Lotus Valley Golf Resort in Chachoengsao, Thailand, when several lightning strikes were recorded in the vicinity.
The 15-year-old golfer and her caddie, 31-year-old Saitharn Boonkerd, were found unconscious on the course after officials had sounded the alarm to suspend play on Sunday afternoon.
According to local reports, Pradubyart suffered serious burns on the right side of her body, from her head to her arms and legs. The teen initially was unconscious, but her heartbeat was restored before being sent to Phutthasothon Hospital.
However, after being transferred, her condition worsened and she was pronounced dead on Monday morning.
The extent of Boonkerd’s injuries remains unclear and she reportedly remains under close medical supervision.
What did the golfer’s family say?
Natcha Pradubyart, Aeyaravin’s mother, announced her daughter’s death in a heartbreaking post on social media.
“No parents would ever easily let their child go. But if it brings pain to our beloved child, we will choose to let go, so you may rest in peace,” the 49-year-old mother wrote, translated from Thai.
“You were the strongest, my beloved child Aeya. Your heart stopped for nearly an hour after being struck by lightning, yet you fought back ten times, enduring through the night to wait for your father to fly back and say a final goodbye.”
Who is to blame?
Natcha also placed blame on tournament organizers, claiming they waited too long to halt the tournament.
She claimed officials failed to stop the competition despite worsening weather, with the young players ordered to continue playing before thunder and heavy rain hit the area.
“I saw two of Aeya’s playing partners return, but my daughter was nowhere to be seen. I asked where she was and someone told me, ‘Aeya is lying down’. I thought she was just resting at the clubhouse,” she wrote.
“Shortly afterwards, someone told me a child had been struck by lightning. I rushed over to find out what had happened and was devastated to learn it was her.
“I was completely shocked and panicking. I begged the officials to help me find her.
“I later found out she had been taken to the clubhouse and was receiving first aid. Her face and body were bright red and she was having convulsions. She lost consciousness again.
“She was rushed to hospital, but the doctors said her condition was too critical and there was nothing more we could do.
“I waited for her father to arrive and he finally reached the hospital the following morning, so he could be with her one more time.”
What did the organizers say?
The tournament’s organizers issued a statement, saying they were “deeply saddened” by the incident and that it is “working with the golf course to expedite the investigation and gather all the facts thoroughly in order to obtain the most accurate and clear information.”
Aeyavarin had won awards in several competitions through her young career, including the girls’ Class B event in the first leg of the Junior Asian Tour 2026 in March.