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Boy, 16, hit by lightning dies
By Times Staff
Published July 26, 2007
Sam Santilli, 16, died Tuesday, four days after he was struck by lightning on Treasure Island Beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Sam was knocked unconscious on Friday and taken to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg after lightning hit him and his mother, Maureen Machajewski, as they headed for cover from a morning thunderstorm. Machajewski, 46, who was visiting from Texas, recovered from the strike. Friends left about 50 messages on Sam's MySpace page Tuesday and Wednesday, saying he was a funny, amazing person who will be missed. Sam would have been an incoming junior at Hillsborough High School in Tampa and played soccer, said Hillsborough County schools spokesman Steve Hegarty. Although classes aren't in session, grieving students can contact the school for counseling, Hegarty said. "Schools are like families," Hegarty said. "There are still people around who will respond."
[Last modified July 26, 2007, 08:33:32]
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by Toni
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07/27/07 08:46 AM
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I don't know what to say!Its so sad.I didn't know him, but I can't help but feel sadness at this time.He is my age and just thought of him being so young and be taken from his family & friends is just heart aching.My prayers are with you.Stay strong
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by mark
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07/26/07 07:09 PM
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how sad. my sadness go out to the family and friends
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by Ray
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07/26/07 10:27 AM
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How very sad. Looking at his MySpace he seems like a very bright and likable young fellow. It seems he had many plans for himself and his future. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. May they carry on his hopes and dreams for him.
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