A Thai youth golfer died on Monday morning at a hospital after her heart stopped for nearly an hour following a lightning strike on the course. Ayawarin Pradabyat, a rising regional player known as Aya, was kept on life support until her father arrived from Myanmar to say goodbye.
Hospital Vigil and Final Goodbyes at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club
The incident occurred while Aya was playing near the 11th hole at the Rayong Green Valley Country Club in Ban Chang, Thailand. Her mother, 49-year-old Natcha Pradabyat, waited at the clubhouse as storms moved across the area. Medical personnel resuscitated the athlete after her heart stopped, but her condition remained critical throughout the night.
Heartbreak as 15-year-old Thai golfer dies after lightning strikeA promising young golfer's life was cut short after she was struck by lightning during a tournament in Chachoengsao. Ayawarin Pradabyat, known as Aya, fought for her life through the night, holding on long enough… pic.twitter.com/B6g3lGm1sT
Doctors performed repeated resuscitation procedures, keeping her alive on life support equipment. She died shortly after her father reached the hospital on Monday morning. The family transported her home later that day for the funeral, Khaosod reported.
Tournament Safety Questions Raised After Storm Play Continues
Family members questioned why tournament officials allowed play to proceed despite dangerous weather conditions. Aya’s 67-year-old grandmother, Aphorn Pradabyat, stated that lightning had struck the area twice on Sunday afternoon before the tragedy occurred. Tournament organizers did not halt the competition.
Mother Urges Golf Courses to Improve Safety Protocols
She hopes that no other family would ever have to endure such a loss.
“No parent would ever willingly let their child go. “You fought so hard, my beloved Aya. Rest in peace, my darling.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rayong Green Valley Country Club Incident
What safety concerns did the family raise following the lightning strike?
Aphorn Pradabyat stated that lightning had already struck the area twice on Sunday afternoon, and questioned why the tournament was allowed to continue despite the stormy weather.