‘Life-changing event’: Woman loses husband of 59 years after lightning strikes home, family says

PEARL, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - A Mississippi man died in a house fire last week after lightning struck his home.

Authorities said the fire happened on May 6 around 9 p.m. at a residence on Upper Drive.

The Pearl Fire Department reported it was notified that two people were in the home.

First responders were able to pull a woman from the burning house, later identified by family as Billie Sue, but her husband was found down in the back of the home.

Pearl firefighters said rescue efforts began for the man, identified as Jerry Fortenberry, but he did not survive.

Loved ones have since started a GoFundMe for Fortenberry’s wife. The couple was married for 59 years.

Family and friends said a lightning strike caused the house fire and took everything Billie Sue owned, including her longtime husband.

“She now needs help with burial expenses and basic living needs as she tries to find stability after this life-changing event,” the fundraiser shared.

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