Backpacker Sam Beattie killed by lightning strike on Mt Warning

THE heartbroken partner of the backpacker killed by a lightning strike stayed huddled beside his dead body for hours while another hiker sought help.

THE body of Sam Beattie lay lifeless with his devastated partner Michele Segalla sobbing beside him.

The American couple had been camped on Mt Warning, just south of the border between Queensland and NSW, when tragedy struck. A powerful lightning strike hit a tree and surged through 24-year-old Mr Beattie’s feet, which had been resting against the tree, and into his body.

It’s believed the couple had planned to watch the sunrise on Mt Warning, where camping is banned.

The lightning bolt was part of a vicious storm that swept through southeast Queensland early on Tuesday morning.

Two hikers came across the American couple’s tent about 15 minutes later and found Ms Segalla hysterical and huddled next to her partner’s singed body. One of the hikers raced away for help while the other stayed with the young couple and tried to revive him. Not even an hour of CPR could save him, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported.

Ms Segalla suffered only minor injuries to her neck and head, with her hair singed.

Lightning strike victim Sam Beattie with his partner Michele Segalla.

Sam Beattie’s Instagram account shows he was a lover of travel and adventure.

Sam Beattie and Michele Segalla were on the Aussie trip of a lifetime until tragedy struck.

Mr Beattie and Ms Segalla were only two months into a year-long Australian trip. They’d arrived in the Gold Coast early in November and were travelling along the coast in a van they’d brought.

Pictures they’d shared online showed them at some of the area’s big natural attractions, including swimming with dolphins at Stradbroke Island, the Currumbin water hole, and wine tasting trips in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Previous trips Mr Beattie had enjoyed included shark fishing and journeys through mountains, his Instagram account reveals.

Sam Beattie with his partner Michele Segalla.

Sam Beattie.

Sam Beattie and Michele Segalla had only been in Australia two months.

The bio on Ms Segalla’s account seemed to epitomise their shared love of travel and adventure.

“You never slow down, you never grow old,” it read.

The last image Mr Beattie posted on Instagram was a fun shot of him and Ms Segalla at a Byron Bay during Schoolies.

In an earlier post, taken on the plane bound for Australia, he spoke excitedly about the couple’s plans. “Fit our lives into 5 bags (minus 2 neck pillows) Next stop, Sydney!’

Mr Beattie’s father was told of the tragedy when he landed in Australia yesterday afternoon. He was in the country for a prearranged business trip and had planned to visit his son, the Bulletin reported.

A lack of mobile phone coverage in the area is thought to be why the couple didn’t know about the storm and the numerous warnings from authorities.

Friend Gary Leones paid tribute to Mr Beattie online. “You legend you. You taught us all how to live life how it’s supposed to be lived and for that you will be forever worshipped.

Conor Patrick wrote of his shock and sadness. “I was heartbroken this morning to learn one of my oldest friend’s, Sam Beattie passed away. It was a horrible accident but he was living life to the fullest and exploring the world. Everyone who knew Sam knew how great, fun-loving, and what a fierce friend he was. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

The couple had planned to stay in Australia for 12 months.

Tim Wood shared a favourite picture of his friend with the message: “Can’t even fathom this. You were a brother of ours. See you in Valhalla man.”

Locals in area say the area was hit by an “incredible” thunder and lightning storm during the night.

A resident from Federal described the storm as “full on”, while a resident from Girard’s Hill said they were “mesmerised by the continuous lightning show that began as they were trying to get to sleep”, according to The Northern Star.

Tweed Heads Police Superintendent Wayne Starling praised the efforts of the two teenagers from Queensland who went to the couple’s aid and tried to save Mr Beattie.

“Not long after the lightning struck, two teenagers were hiking up the summit and they have come across the scene,” he told media yesterday.

He said they tried first aid “but unfortunately they could not bring him back.”

“It was traumatic for them and they did their best.”

Sam Beattie, pictured with his partner Michele Segalla, died from a lightning strike at the top of Mt Warning

Americans Sam Beattie and Michele Segalla.

Sam Beattie in an image from his Facebook page.