Aug 18, 2022
Sole survivor of DC lightning strike near White House shares story of recovery Transcript
The sole survivor of the lightning strike in Washington, D.C., that killed three people near the White House is speaking out for the first time. Read the transcript here.
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Amber Escudero-Kontostathis: (00:01)
I don’t feel good about being the only survivor, that’s for sure. I’m grateful, but I just don’t feel good about being the only one.
Speaker 1: (00:09)
It happened right across the street from the White House, six lightning bolts seen in this footage strike within half a second, hitting four people, including Amber Escudero-Kontostathis.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis: (00:19)
I was just surprised to learn that I was struck at all. I didn’t really fully comprehend it at first.
Speaker 1: (00:24)
Amber was in Lafayette Square doing fundraising work for the International Rescue Committee, waiting on her husband to pick her up for dinner to celebrate her 28th birthday. But as that storm rolled in, she and three strangers took shelter under a tree.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis: (00:39)
I always thought a tree would, if it were hit by lightning, would catch on fire and you’d run from the fire.
Speaker 1: (00:45)
But there was no time, the lightning killing 29 year old Brooks Lambertson, who was in town on business, along with James and Donna Mueller, who were celebrating their 56th anniversary. Amber, the sole survivor.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis: (00:58)
I don’t know why I survived. I just don’t think it’s fair.
Speaker 1: (01:10)
The last thing she remembers that day is talking to that couple.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis: (01:14)
I remember talking to them about Wisconsin, because we went there for a family reunion. And I remember asking them how their time was out here. I just hoped I didn’t stop them to talking and I hope they weren’t there because of me.
Speaker 1: (01:31)
One thing Amber thinks may have helped her; her shoes.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis: (01:35)
I was wearing my platform sandal Dr. Martens that have humongous rubber souls. They definitely didn’t save my life, but I definitely think that it contributed to potentially less of a burn.
Speaker 1: (01:49)
Today, she keeps those shoes close. So close, she wore them to our interview. We got the chance to be there for the reunion with the two good Samaritans Amber credits with saving her life.
Jesse Bondy: (02:04)
Hi, I’m Jesse. Can I give you a hug?
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis: (02:04)
I’m Amber. Yes, please.
Jesse Bondy: (02:05)
Hi.
Speaker 1: (02:05)
Nolan Haggard and Jesse Bondy traveled from Texas back to D.C. to meet Amber for the first time. The emergency room nurses immediately performed CPR alongside Secret Service agents.
Nolan Haggard: (02:17)
I worked on all three other people and she worked on you and a couple of others, because we had to move around.
Jesse Bondy: (02:24)
I got your first pulse back. I got it back on you twice. I remember holding your hand and you gripping it really tight and you lost your pulse again.
Speaker 1: (02:31)
Amber, grateful for the chance to thank them.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis: (02:34)
If it weren’t for all of you guys, I wouldn’t be here. I owe you everything. I’m just so grateful for you guys.
Speaker 1: (02:40)
She’s learned not to take even the smallest things for granted.
Amber Escudero-Kontostathis: (02:44)
I died and came back I think. I don’t think I had a heartbeat for some time. You don’t know when your last day might be.
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