Identities of lightning victims released

BUFORD - The three people killed Sunday at Buford Dam Park on Lake Lanier have been identified by the Gwinnett County Medical Examiners Office.

Investigator Eddie Reeves says they are Froylen Valasquez, 29, and Bulmaro Valencia, 21, both of Doraville and Ignacia Lopez, 44, Birmingham.

"The three died of electrocution as the result of a lightning strike," Reeves said.

The three were part of a group of nine that took shelter under some trees when storms blew in.

"Lightning struck actually two trees," He added. "About three or four feet from where they were standing."

The remaining six people, whose names have not been released, were taken to area hospitals. The worst injuries among them is a woman with third-degree burns to her legs.