Rising 15-Year-Old Golfer Dies After Lightning Strike During Tournament

November 3, 2026

A tragic incident has shaken the junior golfing community after 15-year-old Thai golfer Aeyavarin Pradubyart, known as Aeya, died following a lightning strike during a tournament in Bang Nam Priao district. The incident occurred Sunday afternoon as a storm rolled in, striking Aeya near the 11th hole.

Emergency responders rushed to her aid, reviving her briefly with CPR before transferring her to Buddhasothorn Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries early Monday. A caddie, a 31-year-old woman, was also injured in the strike and remains under medical observation.

Aeya’s family has expressed shock and grief, with her mother confirming her death on social media, while her father arrived from Myanmar in time to say goodbye. Questions have arisen over the tournament’s safety protocols, as reports suggest lightning had struck the course earlier, yet play continued despite worsening conditions.

The tragedy underscores the dangers of outdoor sports during severe weather, prompting renewed calls for stricter adherence to safety guidelines, such as immediate suspension of play when thunder is heard.