Tragedy struck a junior golf competition in Thailand on Sunday when lightning hit 15-year-old rising prospect Ayavarin Pradubyat, known widely in sporting circles as Aya. The fatal incident occurred at a golf facility located in Chachoengsao province near the capital city of Bangkok. The teenage athlete was positioned near the 11th hole of the course when an atmospheric discharge struck the area, leaving her unconscious without a heartbeat. A 31-year-old female caddie standing close by was also injured in the strike and had to be evacuated for urgent medical care.
CPR on the Course and an Overnight Battle at the Hospital
Emergency medical personnel rushed across the fairway to administer immediate CPR to the collapsed golfer. Following extensive resuscitation efforts, first responders managed to briefly restore a detectable pulse before transferring her to a nearby medical center. However, despite round-the-clock emergency care, doctors were ultimately unable to keep her alive.
Her mother, Natcha Pradubyat, revealed that the teenager's heart had stopped beating for nearly one hour immediately after the strike. A specialized medical team worked through the entire night in hopes of stabilizing her condition, but her vitals failed to recover. On Monday, her mother formally confirmed her passing through an emotional announcement on social media platforms.
Mother Shares Heartbreaking Farewell
Grieving the loss of her young daughter, Natcha shared a poignant tribute reflecting the immense pain of their family. She expressed that while no parent ever wants to lose their child, allowing a loved one to pass peacefully becomes the only humane choice when prolonging clinical efforts only multiplies physical suffering. In a touching note to the athlete, she wrote,
"You fought so hard, my sweet Aya."She prayed for her daughter to rest in eternal peace.
Family Questions Lack of Weather Protocols
The fatal accident has ignited sharp scrutiny over tournament safety oversight and emergency response standards on the greens. Ayavarin's family has raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of the competition committee. Natcha stated that around 3:00 PM, lightning had already struck trees adjacent to the course, followed quickly by rain and repeated flashes across the sky.
Despite visible indicators of a severe electrical storm, organizers failed to suspend the round immediately. The family has now called on golf courses and tournament bodies to establish clear, mandatory evacuation protocols during severe weather, while ensuring that adequate life-support facilities and emergency trauma care are permanently stationed across tournament grounds.
