Community rallies in support after couple’s home destroyed by lightning

BOILING SPRING LAKES, NC (WWAY) — Debbie and Doug Sherwood thought Monday would be just another normal day. 

“So he was working from home that day, and I was just lounging in the living room, and had just made the comment to him ‘this is a great day to be at home and not be out running around,’ and then the lightning struck,” Sherwood said. 

As a severe storm moved through the area, bringing heavy rain, thunder, and strong winds, lightning hit the Sherwood’s home in Boiling Spring Lakes just before noon. 

They immediately called 911. 

Stephanie Reid, their daughter who lives nearby, was shocked when her husband told her what was happening. 

“I thought he was joking, I was like ‘what?’” Reid recalled. 

Due to several road closures leading into their neighborhood, firefighters didn’t arrive until almost 2 p.m. that afternoon, two hours after the Sherwoods called. 

By then, the couple said, it was too late.   

The Sherwoods managed to save their three dog, but their personal items were destroyed by the fire.  

“You never expect it to happen to you or people you love, and I mean this was my home for 16 years,” Reid said. 

Since the fire, the couple has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. 

“We were standing out there in those couple hours, I can’t tell you the number of neighbors we’ve had within probably a three or four block radius who have come by that we have never met, and introduced themselves,” Doug said. 

“Offered their homes, they’ve brought us water and stuff and stood with us, cried with us,” Debbie added. 

Fortunately, the Sherwoods do have fire insurance, and they’ll be staying with their daughter for the time being.  

A friend also set up a donation page for the Sherwoods.