Quick Read
- Finley Bone, aged 21, was killed by a lightning strike at Cooroy Sporting Complex, Sunshine Coast.
- She was a member of Noosa Lions Soccer Club and mentored junior players.
- Emergency services responded quickly, but she died shortly after being hospitalized.
- Football activities at Cooroora United Football Club are suspended in her memory.
- Queensland Police are preparing a report for the coroner.
Lightning Strike Claims Young Athlete’s Life at Cooroy Sporting Complex
On a Thursday afternoon marked by unsettled weather, 21-year-old Finley Bone was practicing goal kicking with her partner at the Cooroy Sporting Complex on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. In what has been described as a freak accident, a bolt of lightning struck the field, leaving Finley in critical condition. Paramedics arrived within minutes, administering emergency care before transporting her to Nambour Hospital. Despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
Finley’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through her family, friends, and the football community. Her mother, Donna Markert, spoke to 7NEWS about the suddenness of the event, noting, “No one can believe this happened. Finley was 21 and had her life taken away in a minute.” There was no rainfall at the time, and the lightning appeared without warning—an abrupt and devastating twist to an otherwise routine training session.
Remembering Finley: Athlete, Mentor, Daughter
Finley was a well-known and beloved member of the Noosa Lions Soccer Club’s premier team. She not only played competitively but also dedicated time to mentoring junior players, reflecting her deep commitment to the sport and her community. “She was a beautiful, kind and caring young woman taken in the prime of her life,” her mother shared, describing Finley as a “sports tragic” whose passion for football was evident to all who knew her.
Her family, including her older siblings, nephews, and extended relatives, have gathered to mourn and support each other through the unimaginable loss. Markert expressed gratitude to the emergency services and hospital staff for their quick response and compassionate care: “Our heartfelt thanks to the emergency team who responded in minutes and the emergency department at Nambour Hospital, they gave us next level care.”
Football Community in Mourning
The impact of Finley’s passing has resonated far beyond her family. Football Queensland released a statement acknowledging the loss and offering condolences to her loved ones and club members. The organization emphasized the importance of supporting those affected and announced that all football activities at Cooroora United Football Club would remain suspended until further notice.
Cooroora United Football Club also reached out to its members, asking for respect and patience during this difficult period. The club’s message highlighted the admirable actions of those present at the grounds, including emergency responders and community members, who showed care and solidarity in the face of tragedy. The club urged its community to avoid speculation and to check in with one another, reinforcing the need for a supportive environment.
Weather Unpredictability and Community Response
The Bureau of Meteorology had warned of thunderstorms in the region, with conditions expected to worsen over the coming days. Yet, for those at the Cooroy Sporting Complex, the lightning strike came without warning—no rain, no immediate sign of danger. This unpredictability has raised questions and concerns among locals, with many reflecting on the fragility of life and the suddenness with which circumstances can change.
Queensland Police have confirmed that a report is being prepared for the coroner. As the investigation proceeds, community members are left grappling with grief and searching for ways to honor Finley’s memory. Tributes have poured in from teammates, friends, and supporters, painting a picture of a young woman who lived with passion and kindness.
The Human Cost of Rare Natural Events
Lightning fatalities are rare in Australia, making this incident all the more shocking. According to Reuters, only a handful of such deaths occur nationwide each year. For Finley’s loved ones, statistics offer little comfort—their loss is personal, profound, and irreplaceable.
As the Sunshine Coast community comes together in mourning, many are finding solace in the knowledge that Finley was doing what she loved, surrounded by people who cared for her deeply. Her legacy, as both an athlete and a mentor, will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Finley Bone’s story is a powerful reminder of life’s unpredictability. While her passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, it also brings forth a collective call for compassion, community support, and deeper awareness of nature’s forces. Her memory will endure, carried forward by those she inspired both on and off the field.