Considering the unpredictability of our surroundings, it’s hardly surprising that life can be so delicate.
Anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one understands how swiftly circumstances can shift, not to mention the harshness of fate.
However, few have encountered the unusual series of events that Jared Blackwelder, a farmer from Springfield, Missouri, and his wife Misty faced. On a typical Saturday morning, they went about their routine of feeding their dairy cows, unaware of the rare calamity that was about to strike.
The unfortunate incident occurred in 2017, yet the peculiar way it unfolded continues to make for a captivating story even today.
According to reports, Jared and Misty Blackwelder ventured out to feed their dairy cows, reassured that the recent flooding in their region had subsided.
Although storm clouds were forming on the horizon and distant thunder could be heard, the Blackwelders chose to let their modest herd of 32 graze in the pasture until evening.
Unbeknownst to Jared and Misty, they would soon come back to a heartbreaking sight just hours later.
All 32 of their dairy cows were reportedly struck by lightning, resulting in their deaths and leaving Jared and Misty to discover a grim scene of lifeless bodies.
The Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau shared photos of the dairy cows at that time, urging the community to pray for the Blackwelders.
“This is something that happens often. It can occur,” MFB President Stan Cody shared with CBS News. “What made this situation particularly tragic was the overwhelming number of cows that were impacted.”
A local veterinarian examined the Blackwelders’ herd and confirmed that lightning was responsible for the deaths. He mentioned that he had never witnessed a lightning strike kill more than six cows at once, but considering the situation, it’s possible that Jared and Misty’s cattle were huddled together for protection from the storm.
The devastated Jared expressed: “They aren’t exactly pets. However, the ones I’m milking, I’ve raised each and every one of them.
“Dairy cows are somewhat different since you interact with them twice daily. It hits you hard.”
Additionally, with each cow valued between $2,000 and $2,500, the Blackwelders calculated a total loss exceeding $60,000.