A young California bank executive has been identified as the third person killed in a freak caught-on-camera lightning strike near the White House last week.
Brooks Lambertson, a 29-year-old Los Angeles-based vice president at City National Bank, was identified by DC police as the third fatality from Thursday night’s strike that also left a fourth person in critical condition.
He was killed alongside James Mueller, 76, and Donna Mueller, 75, childhood sweethearts from Wisconsin who were in the capital celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary.
All four had been in Lafayette Park — yards from the White House fence — when cameras caught a huge bolt striking a tree they were near.
City National Bank said Sunday that it was “devastated to learn of the sudden death of one of our colleagues.”
“Brooks was an incredible young man who will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and unwavering positivity,” the bank said.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his loving family, his many friends and our colleagues. His joyful spirit will live on in our hearts, ”the bank said.
The news sparked tributes for Lambertson, who previously worked as a marketing manager for the LA Clippers and was in DC for business when he was struck.
“He was a joy to work with and a wonderful colleague!” one shocked staffer said, while another wrote about how they “loved working with him.”
Brooks always lit up the room with his million-dollar smile,” that colleague wrote, while another praised his “generosity” and “kindness and unwavering” positive energy.
The fourth person, an unidentified woman, was listed in critical condition on Friday, the police department said. There was no immediate update early Sunday.
Secret Service officers had been among the first to respond to the tragedy and offer first aid, officials announced last week.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the administration was “saddened by the tragic loss of life.”
“This is the people’s house. It should be a place all can see,” she said.
With Post wires
.