A woman who survived a lightning strike close to the White House is speaking out about her experience.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis sat down with “Good Morning America” for an interview that aired on Tuesday.
Co-anchor Eva Pilgrim noted Escudero-Kontostathis “suffered second degree burns all along the left side of her body and now relies on a walker” after being struck by lightning on August 4 while canvassing outside of the White House for a nonprofit organization.
“I don’t feel good about being the only survivor. That’s for sure. I’m grateful but I don’t feel good about being the only one,” she told the network.
Escudero-Kontostathis explained that she was surprised to learn she had been struck, adding, “I didn’t really comprehend it at first.”
She continued, “I don’t know why I survived. I just don’t think it’s fair.”
Escudero-Kontostathis recalled speaking with James and Donna Mueller, a husband and wife who lost their lives from the lightning.
“I remember talking to them about Wisconsin because we went there for our family reunion and I remember asking them how their time was out here,” she said.
Acknowledging she “died and came back,” Escudero-Kontostathis added, “I don’t think I had a heartbeat for some time. You don’t know when your last day might be.”
Watch her comments below:
EXCLUSIVE: "I don't know why I survived."
— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 16, 2022
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis opens up for the first time about being the sole survivor of a lightning strike near the White House earlier this month and her road to recovery. @evapilgrim has more. https://t.co/C4P7Ec9r61 pic.twitter.com/4v8fbuZoN4
The Mueller’s were not the only ones to lose their lives to the lightning.
Brooks A. Lambertson, a 29-year-old Los Angeles resident, also died.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre issued a statement following the tragedies.
“We are saddened by the tragic loss of life after the lightning strike in Lafayette Park. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones, and we are praying for those still fighting for their lives,” she said.
D.C. Fire and EMS official Vito Maggiolo told NPR that if “you see lightning or hear thunder, you should seek shelter inside of a building or a vehicle. Do not attempt to seek shelter under a tree.”
