Victim of Fatal Lightning Strike was Transferring to USC
Fagnano and eight others were hospitalized after lightning struck the ocean, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Fagnano later died at the hospital.
He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School and a pitcher on the baseball team.
Jack H. Knott, the Dean of the USC Sol Price of Public Policy released this statement:
“On behalf of the entire USC Sol Price School of Public Policy community, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the parents, family, and friends of Nick Fagnano, who passed away tragically following injuries related to yesterday’s lightning storm at Venice Beach.
Nick was to begin this fall at USC Price as a transfer student to our undergraduate program in policy, planning, and development. He looked forward to becoming a member of the Trojan Family and was eager to engage with fellow students, faculty, and his coursework. Nick had a particular passion for downtown Los Angeles, having grown up in a 100-year-old house near Koreatown. It was his desire to play a significant role in the development of downtown L.A. and try as best as possible to accommodate the needs of the community.
His goals truly embodied the mission of the Price School to improve the quality of life for people and their communities. He left a lasting impression on all who came in contact with him at the Price School, and his presence will be greatly missed.”
Friends of the victim are mourning the loss of the young man. Nick Penza went to school with Fagnano at Santa Barbara Community College. He says the loss is being felt across the Isla Vista community. "Our entire community's thoughts and prayers are with his family in this horrible mourning process."
When he heard the news, Penza was shocked that his friend's life had ended at such a young age. "He was known as being literally the most down to earth and kindest guy around. The guy would do anything for you, regardless of what it was, just to help," he said.
Friends say Fagnano will be remembered for his outgoing personality, smile and compassion for others.
Many fellow Trojans sent condolences and prayers to his family over Facebook and described Fagnano as an amazing friend with a "beautiful soul." Other friends took to Twitter to remember the young man.
A funeral for Fagnano is scheduled for Thursday.
