Macon, Georgia, teen struck by lightning on Marco Island dies

A Macon, Georgia, teen who was struck by lightning mid-July on a Marco Island beach died Wednesday afternoon, his parents announced on social media.

Lightning struck William "Walker" Bethune, 17, on Tigertail Beach on July 17, leaving him unconscious and not breathing, according to a report by the Marco Island Police Department.

"He passed away peacefully this afternoon, listening to one of his favorite Allman Brothers songs, appropriately named “Soulshine," the family wrote Wednesday night.

Previously:Teen struck by lightning on Marco Island has brain swelling

Another strike:Two kids reunited with mom after parents hit by lightning in Sanibel; father still unconscious

On Monday, a family friend had said Bethune was suffering from brain swelling. 

"Our hearts feel an unimaginable pain, but through this journey you have taken with us, we hope that you have found inspiration to draw nearer to God. We continue to feel your prayers, love, and comfort, and ask that in the coming days, weeks, and months that you will keep our family close in your prayers," the parents wrote.

Bethune was transported to Physician's Regional Hospital in Naples and later airlifted to a hospital in Miami, where he spent his final days.

His father, David Bethune, told police his son asked him for a baseball cap and, as he put it on, lightning struck him. David Bethune was administering CPR when first responders arrived at the beach, according to a police report.

Other family members were with William Bethune, including his mom and brother.

Bethune was a senior at Stratford Academy in Macon, Georgia, the school announced on social media earlier this month.

The teen was among at least four other people struck on Southwest Florida beaches within a 10-day span during the height of the state's rainy season. 

Contact Omar at omar.rodriguezortiz@naplesnews.com, and follow him on Twitter as @Omar_fromPR. Support his work by subscribing to Naples Daily News.