Crime & Safety

Teen Struck By Lighting Picnicking In Central Park Speaks Out

According to the NYPD, the boy was near 101st Street and East Drive in Central Park when medics got to him.

The 15-year-old boy is receiving treatment at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center​.
The 15-year-old boy is receiving treatment at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center​. (Peter Senzamici/Patch)

NEW YORK CITY —A 15-year-old boy struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm Thursday in Central Park is recovering from his injuries, according to police and a report.

Yassin Khalifa, a high school sophomore, told ABC7 New York, that he was out with friends enjoying a picnic in the park when they got caught in the storm.

"I leaned up against a tree, and I told them, 'Oh, guys, let's ride out the storm.' Which in hindsight might not have been the best idea," Khalifa told the outlet.

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

While up the against the tree, the boy was struck by lightning and was knocked unconscious, according to the report. The lightning apparently struck the boy's necklace.

According to the NYPD, the boy was near 101st Street and East Drive in Central Park when medics got to him, Patch previously reported.

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The 15-year-old boy is receiving treatment at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center for second-degree burns on his neck and leg and is expected to make a full recovery, according to police.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.