Brazilian Student Tragically Killed by Lightning While Combing Niece's Hair
A 22-year-old Brazilian woman tragically died from a lightning strike while combing her niece's hair during a light rain shower in Tocantins, sparking widespread local mourning.
A 22-year-old physiotherapy student tragically died in Brazil after being struck by lightning while combing her niece's hair outside her mother's home in Almas, Tocantins.
The Tragic Incident
The incident occurred during a light rain shower while the family was gathered in the courtyard. According to local media reports, Anna Beatriz Araújo Pereira had just washed her five-year-old son and her niece before stepping outside.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and Pereira was transported alive to a hospital in Porto Nacional. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries later that day. Her niece, standing right beside her, miraculously escaped unharmed.
"Everything happened very quickly, it was just a light rain," recounted her brother, César Augusto, speaking to CNN Brasil.
Community Mourns the Loss
Pereira was a well-known local figure, having previously been crowned Rodeo Queen at the traditional ExpoAlmas agricultural fair. Her family remembered her as a loving, vibrant person who was the pillar of their household.
The Rural Union of Almas issued a statement expressing deep condolences, highlighting her warmth and contribution to local traditions. The tragedy coincided with a record surge in atmospheric discharges, with the local power company Energisa reporting over one million lightning strikes in Tocantins in January 2026 alone.
