A young American tourist who was killed in a lightning strike on the summit of Mount Warning has been remembered by his friends as a fun-loving adventurer who had lived life to the fullest.
Sam Beattie, 24,and his girlfriend, Michele Segalla, 23, had flown into Sydney in early October from their home in New York, and were planning to spend a year travelling across Australia in a campervan.
More National News Videos
- Video duration
- 01:46
American tourist killed by lightning ...
American tourist killed by lightning strike
Sam Beattie was with his girlfriend on a holiday of lifetime when tragedy struck while the couple were camping on Mt Warning Vision courtesy Seven Sunrise
Up Next
Trampoline fails: laugh or groan
- Video duration
- 00:56
- Video duration
- 00:56
Trampoline fails: laugh or groan
Trampoline fails: laugh or groan
While today's trampolines appear to be more secure than ever, injuries are becoming more common.
Up Next
Nano crystals turn darkness into light
- Video duration
- 01:46
- Video duration
- 01:46
Nano crystals turn darkness into light
Nano crystals turn darkness into light
ANU scientists design a nano crystal around 500 times smaller than a human hair that turns darkness into visible light and can be used to create light-weight night-vision glasses. Vision: ANU
Up Next
New bicycle lanes for Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Video duration
- 01:45
- Video duration
- 01:45
New bicycle lanes for Sydney Harbour ...
New bicycle lanes for Sydney Harbour Bridge
NSW Government commits to building new cycling and accessibility infrastructure for Sydney Harbour Bridge. Vision: NSW Government
Up Next
Voluntary euthanasia concious vote slotted for next year
- Video duration
- 01:10
- Video duration
- 01:10
Voluntary euthanasia concious vote ...
Voluntary euthanasia concious vote slotted for next year
The Andrews' government intends to hold a conscience vote in the Victorian State parliament to legalise euthanasia next year. (Vision courtesy ABC)
Up Next
Economy goes backward
- Video duration
- 01:58
- Video duration
- 01:58
Economy goes backward
Economy goes backward
GDP contracted 0.5 per cent in the September quarter. The Treasurer points the finger at weak business investment.
Up Next
No carbon tax or emissions trading
- Video duration
- 01:39
- Video duration
- 01:39
No carbon tax or emissions trading
No carbon tax or emissions trading
Speculation the government might adopt a carbon intensity trading scheme leads to a clarification from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Courtesy ABC News 24.
Up Next
Jessica Silva recounts the night she killed violent partner
- Video duration
- 01:30
- Video duration
- 01:30
Jessica Silva recounts the night she ...
Jessica Silva recounts the night she killed violent partner
Jessica Silva speaks of the years of domestic abuse leading up to the night she killed her violent partner James Polkinghorne, in an interview with Network Nine's 60 Minutes.
American tourist killed by lightning strike
Sam Beattie was with his girlfriend on a holiday of lifetime when tragedy struck while the couple were camping on Mt Warning Vision courtesy Seven Sunrise
"Fit our lives into five bags (minus 2 neck pillows)," Mr Beattie wrote on Instagram, beside a photograph of the pair sitting on a plane. "Next stop Sydney!"
In the first eight weeks of their dream trip, the couple had already travelled along the NSW and Queensland coasts, posting photographs on social media showing them enjoying themselves in Seal Rocks and Byron Bay, sipping wine in the Gold Coast Hinterland and swimming with dolphins on Stradbroke Island.
Related Content
On Monday, they had pitched their tent at the summit of Mount Warning, just south of the NSW-Queensland border. Camping is prohibited on the 1556-metre peak, but it is a popular place to watch the sun rise.
On Monday night and into Tuesday morning, however, a series of extraordinary electrical storms battered the region, shocking local residents with their ferocity.
Up on Mount Warning, Mr Beattie and Ms Segalla had pitched their tent under a tree, which was struck by lightning in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Mr Beattie's feet were touching the tree and he was killed instantly, while Ms Segalla suffered minor injuries to her head and neck and her hair was singed. A group of hikers who arrived at the summit early on Tuesday morning reportedly found her crying in the tent beside Mr Beattie.
Superintendent Wayne Starling, the Tweed-Byron Local Area Commander, said the hikers arrived at the summit about 4.50am, a short time after the lightning strike, and attempted to revive Mr Beattie.
"I know two people have rendered first aid to the male for at least an hour, trying to resuscitate him. Unfortunately they couldn't bring him back," Superintendent Starling said.
"It's a horrible experience, a horrible situation for them. They're obviously distressed by it, as anyone would be."
He described the storms on the night as extraordinary, and the conditions for rescuers hiking up the mountain as treacherous.
"It's very, very unusual for something like this to happen ... so I'm not judgmental of the people in any way whatsoever. These things just happen, sadly it's a part of life. The weather just had a traumatic effect on many people's lives," he said.
"I can't judge. People do what they do, you know. It's just a tragedy. Regardless of whether they should be there or not, it's just a tragedy to lose a life."
Emergency service workers hiked up the mountain and treated Ms Segalla for head and neck injuries, before taking her to Murwillumbah Base Hospital for treatment.
The weather conditions prevented a helicopter from landing on Mount Warning, so emergency services brought Mr Beattie's body down the mountain on a stretcher.
Shocked friends remembered Mr Beattie on social media as a fun-loving and fierce friend.
"I was heartbroken this morning to learn one of my oldest friend's... passed away," one friend, Conor, wrote.
"It was a horrible accident but he was living life to the fullest and exploring the world. Everyone who knew Sam knew how great, fun-loving, and what a fierce friend he was. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers."
Another friend, Tim, said: "Can't even fathom this. You were a brother of ours. See you in Valhalla man."
Gary wrote: "RIP Sam ... you legend you. You taught us all how to live life how it's supposed to be lived and for that you will be forever worshipped."