A 14-year-old Boynton Beach boy who was struck by lightning nearly two months ago has returned home from the hospital and reunited with the first responders who saved his life, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said in a new video.
Kevin Peluffo was playing soccer with friends at a mobile home park on Aug. 23 when the strike stopped his heart. A friend said he heard a loud boom, turned around and saw Peluffo fall to the ground.
Sheriff’s Deputy Claudia Abreu-Perez said a bystander was already performing CPR when she reached the field. She said Peluffo had no pulse and was turning blue, so she started chest compressions. Paramedics took over and rushed him to the hospital.
His mother, Sandra, said the family waited and prayed for weeks. She said Peluffo has completed therapy and rehabilitation, but a long road remains, including a visit with Dr. Quiñones.
Paramedics who treated him later came back to check on the family, and Abreu-Perez brought a set of soccer equipment from her squad. Peluffo hopes to return to school and soccer as he settles into a regular routine.
