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SCOFIELD RESERVOIR — A 12-year-old Boy Scout was hit and killed by lightning and another Scout was injured when a fast-moving hailstorm rolled through northern Carbon County about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
A family spokesman confirmed the identity of the boy as David Rayborn of South Salt Lake. He was described as a kind and talkative child, the oldest of three kids, and someone who made friends easily.
Related:
Scouts work hard to keep boys safe in lightning storms
The Boy Scouts of America intensified its training for lightning safety six years ago, in part because of a fatality in Utah.Members of the Scout troop, from the Granite Park LDS Stake in South Salt Lake, scrambled for cover when the hailstorm moved in, said John Gailey, program director for the Utah National Parks Council.
"These two boys were headed for their campsite. The one was struck directly," Gailey said.
Leaders and other Scouts saw the lightning hit the boy. "We called paramedics and Life Flight and started CPR. Life Flight got there and pronounced him dead about 12:35," he said.
"The other one, we didn't even know he was struck until about 45 minutes later. He said he wasn't feeling well and went and laid down. He had some burns and was taken to the hospital," Gailey said.
That boy is expected to be released from the hospital Thursday morning.
"It's a tragic accident, so all of us are devastated along with the family," said Granite Park State President Bulent Bulut, who met with the Rayborn family Wednesday afternoon.
Bulut says the Rayborns are a close-knit family, and they are doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances.
"The family can certainly use prayers," Bulut said.
Scofield Scout Camp is situated near the north end of Scofield Reservoir and typically has about 350 Scouts in attendance this week, plus 75 adult leaders and camp staff, Gailey said. Scouts sleep in tents and participate in aquatics programs — most of which are out in the open.
Scout leaders are required to take a hazardous weather training course every two years, Gailey said. "When any storms like this pop up, the aquatics area is immediately cleared."
Officials say it appears all procedures were followed. Grief counselors are being provided for the Scouts.
The family of David Rayborn is in the process of planning his funeral. They're looking at sometime early next week.
Written with contributions from Steve Fidel and Sarah Dallof.
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