JANESVILLE, Wis. — A beloved Janesville couple were two of the victims of a freak lightning storm near the White House. 

What You Need To Know

  • Police said three people who were critically injured in a lightning strike outside the White House have died. A fourth remained hospitalized with life-threatening injuries

  • The lightning strike happened Thursday night in Lafayette Park, located directly outside the White House complex

  • Janesville, Wis. couple James and Donna Mueller are among those who died, according to police

  • The couple were celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary with a trip to D.C. 

James Mueller and his wife Donna Mueller were visiting the nation’s capital on Thursday when it began to storm.

Metro police say the Muellers and two others were riding out the storm under a tree in Lafayette Park when the lightning struck. 

On Friday morning, police confirmed James Mueller had died from his injuries Thursday night. Donna Mueller died on Friday morning. A third individual died Friday evening.

One other person was injured in the strike and was in critical condition as of Saturday evening.

The Mueller family released a statement to Spectrum News, explaining that the husband and wife were touring D.C. for their 56th wedding anniversary, and that they were both “family oriented... Both would do anything for their family.”

Their parish priest, Father Jim Leeser, said the two were also community faith-based participants who will be dearly missed.

“They were very devout people as far as their Catholic faith. They elected; they ushered. They were very instrumental in the church’s growth at St. William’s,” Leeser said. “So very sad. They have five kids and grandkids and so on. So many prayers go out to the whole family and our whole church.”

“We are saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Donna Mueller and her husband James. Donna was a long-time substitute teacher with the School District of Janesville, and we wish to convey our deepest sympathy to their family and friends. May their memories remain a blessing for us all,” a school district official said in a statement to Spectrum News 1.

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Leeser said Madison Diocese Bishop Donald Hying was also sending prayers to the family during this difficult time. 

Funeral arrangements have not been announced as of Saturday evening.