A woman has been praised for saving her boyfriend’s life after they were both struck by lightning during a hiking trip in Wisconsin, United States. Eva Broderick was hiking with her then-boyfriend, Nick Broderick, in Kettle Moraine State Forest on August 9, 2025, when a sudden thunderstorm turned their outdoor adventure into a fight for survival.
The couple were more than two miles from their car when lightning struck a nearby tree. The electrical current travelled through the ground, affecting both of them. Although Eva was also injured by the strike, she realised that Nick was unresponsive, his face had turned blue and he was no longer breathing. She immediately called emergency services and began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The rescue was made more difficult by the couple’s location deep inside the forest. Eva struggled to maintain a reliable mobile phone connection and could not clearly tell emergency responders where they were.
Rescuers had to search different trails to locate the couple, and it took approximately 50 minutes for emergency crews to reach them on foot. Throughout the ordeal, Eva continued trying to save Nick. She performed CPR and revived him twice before help arrived, despite having also been struck by lightning herself.
Palmyra Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Dan Schiller described the situation as extraordinary, highlighting the difficulty of the rescue and Eva’s actions under extreme circumstances.
Nick was taken to hospital, where he spent three days recovering. Although he survived, he experienced partial hearing loss in one ear and continued to deal with tendon problems associated with the incident. Eva’s actions proved crucial during the long wait for professional medical assistance. Her ability to respond quickly and continue CPR gave Nick a chance to survive until rescuers could reach them.
The couple’s story took a remarkable turn after Nick was discharged from hospital. He proposed to Eva, and they married in August 2026. Nick said they wanted to give August a happier meaning after the traumatic experience they had endured the previous year. Eva has also joked about the experience, saying that having brought Nick back from death meant he was now stuck with her.
In recognition of her courage, Eva is set to receive the Lifesavers Award from the Palmyra Fire Department for helping save Nick’s life. Their story is a powerful reminder of how quick action and CPR can make a difference in an emergency. Even after experiencing a terrifying lightning strike herself, Eva focused on helping Nick survive until professional rescuers arrived.
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