A woman is set to receive a distinguished award after demonstrating extraordinary bravery while saving her husband’s life during a near-fatal lightning strike. Eva Broderick and her partner, Nick, were hiking at the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin when their adventure took a dangerous turn in August 2025.
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On 9 August, the couple embarked on a substantial 10-mile trek, unaware that a storm was approaching. While they were over two miles from their vehicle, unexpected rain began to pour, followed by a sudden lightning strike that hit a nearby tree. This event sent electrical currents through the ground, affecting both Nick and Eva.
Eva described the traumatic incident, saying, “All I remember was being curled in a fetal position with my hands over my ears, screaming, I think, and feeling what can only be described as electricity in my feet.” Upon regaining her composure, she turned to her partner only to find him unresponsive. “He was laying on his back with his eyes half open and glazed over,” she recounted. Nick’s face had turned blue, and he was not breathing.
In a race against time, Eva attempted to contact the emergency services. However, her efforts were hampered by poor mobile phone reception, making it difficult to relay their exact location to the operators. After struggling to connect with 911, Eva instinctively switched her focus back to Nick, who was in dire need of assistance. Without hesitation, she administered CPR twice, a skill she had learned through previous training.
Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Eva’s determination led to her husband’s revival. Reflecting on the event, she remarked with a touch of humour, “I’ve made the joke quite a few times that he can’t leave me. I brought him back from death, so he’s kind of stuck with me.”
The rescue services arrived approximately 50 minutes later, navigating through the forest to reach the couple. Nick was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he spent three days recovering. He experienced some hearing loss in one ear and continues to deal with lingering tendon issues as a result of the lightning strike.
Following his recovery, a touching moment unfolded when Nick proposed to Eva, culminating in their wedding in August of the same year. “We wanted to rewrite August and make it a better month,” he explained, aiming to transform a date filled with trauma into one marked by love and commitment.
In recognition of her quick thinking and courageous actions, Eva is set to receive the Lifesavers Award from the Palmyra Fire Department. This honour serves as a testament to not only her immediate response during a life-threatening situation but also the strong bond between the couple.
This harrowing experience has not only strengthened their relationship but also highlighted the importance of preparedness and knowledge in emergency situations. As they continue their journey together, the couple hopes to inspire others to take necessary precautions when enjoying the great outdoors, particularly in the face of unpredictable weather.
In a world where lightning strikes are often viewed as mere phenomena of nature, the remarkable story of Eva and Nick Broderick serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.