Lightning Strikes 12-Year-Old Arizona Girl – Dad Saves Her Life despite Her Heart Stopping 3 Times

An ordinary day turned into a shocking and life-changing moment for a 12-year-old girl from Arizona. She was playing outside her home when the unthinkable happened—a lightning bolt struck and stopped her heart.

Like many young girls, Ella Jorgensen loved spending time outdoors, playing, and having fun. She never imagined a storm would wreak havoc in her life, almost making her parent's worst nightmare a reality.

While the chipper and outgoing Ella was outside her grandparents' West Valley house, the weather changed suddenly, and a storm quickly moved overhead. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time when disaster struck.

The Shocking Incident

Ella's father, a marine veteran, heard the thunder rumbling on October 15, 2022. Without warning, he saw a terrible scene unfold right before his eyes. Steven Jorgensen couldn't believe a lightning bolt struck near his precious daughter.

Trying to keep calm, the dad said he used the Bee Gees' hit song "Stayin' Alive" to help him during the CPR. He sang the acclaimed song as he did the compressions on his daughter.

Ella is said to have fallen onto the ground, and her panicked father explained: "It was a super, super bright, loud crash that cracked. I watched that lightning hit my daughter."

He Did Everything to Save Her Life

Steven ran to his daughter and dove onto the ground, injuring his knees as he tried to save her life. He didn't care about his well-being and did everything possible to assist his beloved little girl.

Ella was barefoot, and her dad believed the metal necklace she wore could have attracted the lightning. The little girl had a friend next to her when the ordeal occurred. Steven stated:

"Her friend that was standing right next to her was wearing shoes at the time, so I think that's why she didn't even get touched at all."

The Dad Refused to Give Up

Thankfully, Steven's years working as a marine came in handy, and he knew what to do. The anxious father did a sternum rub and hoped for a response from Ella. Steven was nervous but felt a "controlled panic" as he initiated CPR. He shared:

"I got her heart going. [I] got her breathing [for a] short amount of time, [but] I lost it again. I panicked and started again. [I] got her heart beating a little longer."

Ella's heart stopped for a third time, but her dad didn't give up. Finally, it continued beating, bringing some relief to the father. The youngster was taken to a medical facility where doctors gave her father credit for saving her life.

Dr. Kevin Foster noted that Steven's effective and timely chest compressions were a significant factor. "She owes her life to her father," he added.

It Was a Miracle

Trying to keep calm, the dad said he used the Bee Gees' hit song "Stayin' Alive" to help him during the CPR. He sang the acclaimed song as he did the compressions on his daughter—it also acted as a helpful guide so he could maintain the right rhythm.

Ella was fortunate her father was there, and miraculously, she walked away from the ordeal "basically unscathed." Doctors revealed she would only have minor burn marks that would fade with time. But Ella gained something else from the incident.

When her mother explained what happened, Ella purportedly didn't believe it at first and then replied: "I'm going to have a cool story forever now." Steven was proud of his daughter's positive approach and said she was in good spirits.

The Importance of CPR

The Arizona Fire and Medical Authority hailed Ella's father as a hero, but he remained humble, simply stating:

"I'm just a dad taking care of his daughter."

Officials hoped the family's story would encourage others to learn CPR. Bystander CPR can save lives and keep an injured citizen alive until emergency services arrive.

Dr. Foster urged citizens to be cautious whenever they heard thunder or saw lightning. He also highlighted the importance of getting to a safe place.

Online Praise for the Brave Dad

Netizens were stunned by the family's experience, and many praised Steven for his bravery. Users applauded him, called him the "father of the year," and wished his daughter well in the future:

"I love this man. Such a hero. So glad his training in Iraq helped him save his daughter."

- (Robert Kidd) October 19, 2022

"Medal of honor [for] the Dad. He is a hero!"

- (Miranda Wise) October 19, 2022

"He is a Marine. There ain't no quit in him. Especially when it was his baby girl."

- (My favorite Martian) October 20, 2022

Ella was recovering well; her father indicated she would return to school soon. He was grateful to have her by his side and couldn't wait to see the rest of her life unfold. We send Ella well wishes and prayers as she heals after this terrifying experience.

Click here for another story about heroic twins that saw their father turning blue. They used their knowledge from a classic film to perform CPR.