Rising star Aeya's life cut short - Bangkok Post

The Thai golf community is mourning the loss of 15-year-old junior golfer Aeyavarin "Aeya" Pradubyart, who passed away following a lightning strike during a junior golf tournament in Chachoengsao on Sunday.

The incident occurred amid a thunderstorm, when a lightning strike hit the golf course, leaving Aeyavarin critically injured. A 31-year-old female caddie was also injured in the incident, but initial reports indicated that her injuries were less severe than those sustained by Aeyavarin.

Following the incident, course staff and rescue teams rushed to provide assistance. Aeyavarin was found unconscious with no vital signs, and CPR was performed until her heartbeat was restored. She was then transported to Bang Nam Priao Hospital for further treatment.

"You were the bravest, my dearest Aeya. Your heart stopped the moment you were struck by lightning for nearly an hour. You fought back 10 times over, enduring through the night just to wait for your father to fly back so you could say one final goodbye. Rest peacefully, my beloved child."

Aeyavarin, who was a registered member of the Thai Student Golf Union (TSGU), was a rising star junior golfer. She won the girls' Class B event in the first leg of the Junior Asian Tour 2026 in March via a playoff and was due to compete in more tournaments this year.

Aeyavarin 'Aeya' Pradubyart. (Photo: Natcha Izy Samitintu Facebook)