University of Waterloo student killed by lightning strike

The University of Waterloo has confirmed that a first-year female student was killed by a lightning strike Friday morning.

She has not been identified yet but Waterloo regional police say she was from the Markham area and was an engineering student.

The student’s family has asked police not to release her name.

The university is sending its condolences to the student’s family and friends.

Police continue to investigate and the labour ministry has been contacted.

In the meantime, Geoff Coulson, warning preparedness meteorologist at Environment Canada says the heavy rain and severe storms were not expected on Friday morning.

“No watches or warnings of this particular series of storms went through earlier this morning…they weren’t expected to be severe…the forecast was revised at about 7:15 this morning to mention the risk of thunderstorms any time during the day today.”

A severe thunderstorm watch for Waterloo Region and surrounding areas has been put into effect as of 1 p.m. this afternoon. This includes Guelph, Erin and Southern Wellington County.

The weather authority is calling for severe thunderstorms through the afternoon and early evening.

The university posted a statement on its Facebook page on Friday:

 

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