Overview
- James Lawley, a Cullman County firefighter, was struck by lightning during his daughter’s birthday on Sunday when a bolt hit his SUV, passed through him, and continued into a nearby firetruck.
- Responding EMTs told Lawley the strike was likely secondary rather than a direct hit, and Lawley said that assessment probably saved his life.
- Lawley experienced widespread muscle soreness for about three days, then told reporters he was feeling well enough to return to light work unloading a box truck for his employer.
- The incident comes exactly one year after a firework exploded in Lawley’s face and follows five rounds of chemotherapy he has received since 2021, details he and local stations discussed in interviews.
- Local coverage highlighted his quick recovery and plans to be more cautious at future holidays, a reminder that storms and fireworks both pose recurring risks around Fourth of July gatherings.