D.C. Lightning Strike Survivor Copes With Guilt Through Recovery

WASHINGTON, DC — A couple vacationing from Wisconsin and a businessman from Los Angeles were killed earlier this month by a lightning strike while taking shelter in Lafayette Park near the White House.

A fourth person was hit and survived. Now, Amber Escudero-Kontostathis healing but is shouldering a heavy dose of survivor's guilt while on the road to recovery.

"I'm not sure why I'm the one that made it," Escudero-Kontostathis told WUSA 9. "I definitely have survivor's guilt because if I were to be this lucky, I feel everyone should be."

The tragedy happened just before 7 p.m. on Aug. 4. Lightning struck near the center of the park in a grove of trees located about 100 feet southeast of the statue of Andrew Jackson, the Washington Post reported.

• RELATED: 3 Killed, 1 Injured From Lightning Strike Near White House: Police

Escudero-Kontostathis appeared on CNN's "New Day" on Thursday and said six bolts of lightning struck within a half-second.

Donna Mueller, 75, and James Mueller, 76, of Janesville, Wisconsin, died from their injuries, police said. A third victim, identified as 29-year-old Brooks Lambertson, died the following day.

Escudero-Kontostathis was canvassing the park for Threshold Giving, a grassroots organization that fundraises for nonprofits, she told WUSA. Through her work, she met the Muellers just before the storm hit.

"They were just really lovely wonderful people," she told CNN. "My heart is constantly breaking for both of those families that are going through that loss."

Lambertson, a vice president at City National Bank, was in Washington, D.C. on business, the company confirmed in a statement.

"Brooks was an incredible young man who will be remembered for his generosity, kindness and unwavering positivity," the statement read. "His sudden loss is devastating for all who knew him, and his family, friends and colleagues appreciate the thoughts and prayers that have poured in from around the country."

Escudero-Kontostathis still suffers from nerve damage from the waist down, which left her with no feeling in her legs, she told CNN. She now needs a walker to get around.

She also credits emergency responders and other authorities with saving her life.

"When I'm crying in pain I'm constantly reminding myself that I'm lucky," Escudero-Kontostathis told WUSA. "Without people like that there is no amazing miracle story, they're the miracle makers so I want to make sure they get the attention they deserve."