sources : NBC News, California Sun
On August 20, 1975, brothers Michael McQuilken (18) and Sean McQuilken (12) were hiking with their sister and others at Moro Rock, a popular granite dome in California’s Sequoia National Park.
As storm clouds gathered, their hair suddenly stood on end from electrical charge in the air. Finding it amusing, they posed for photos taken by their sister. Minutes later, lightning struck as they were descending from Moro Rock.
Sean was directly hit by part of the bolt, while Michael was knocked down and affected by the strike. Sean suffered third-degree burns on his back and elbows, with smoke coming from his back. Michael felt himself lifted off the ground. They both survived, though another nearby hiker didn’t.
The photo has since been used in educational warnings about the danger of lightning in the mountains. Hair standing on end is a critical sign to descend immediately and seek shelter.
