David Everette was a 39-year-old father of two (with a child on the way), a 1996 graduate of Lee County High School and a huge fan of Duke basketball.
Everette died Tuesday night, struck by lightning while trying to take cover as a strong storm rolled through the city between 7 and 7:30 p.m. According to Sanford Police, Everette was near a tree at the corner of Vance and Crestview streets — on his way to a nearby convenience store — when he was struck.
According to WRAL, Everette was found lying face down under the tree at 1025 S. Vance Street, by Harmon Cochrane, who notified police. “[I heard] two big booms, and I just took for granted that the lightning hit something,” Cochrane told WRAL. “I never thought it was going to be an individual. Never did.”
Everette’s is the second death contributed to lightning strike in North Carolina this year and the seventh in the U.S.
I hate to hear that about David, he was a good dude
David is one of the guys I, honestly, remember most from Jr High and high school. His constant smile, his poor taste in collegiate sports (which we would tease each other about) and his kind, friendly nature. Even seeing David in recent years when I would return to Sanford, he never changed and always had good things to tell, including bragging on his two kids. He will be greatly missed and I will pray for his family and close friends as they move forward without him in their life everyday!
So sorry to hear about this. He came in to Ron’s Barn where I work. Always had a smile on his face. My deepest sympathies to his kids and wife and family.
One of the nicest guys you’d ever have the pleasure to meet it’s a sad day for his family and everyone that new him we will all miss you deeply Doonk!
He was always very nice! Prayers to the family