Stavis is thought to be the first American to be killed by lighting in 2016

Jake Gold said his girlfriend had brightened the life of everyone she met

Both women rushed to hospital after Friday's incident where they remain

Two of the 28-year-old friends sharing the tent were seriously

A New Orleans woman has died and two others have been seriously injured after being struck by lightning during a blues festival.

Jacqui Stavis, 28, was killed after the bolt hit her tent at the T-Bois Blues Festival in Larose, Louisiana, on Friday night.

Two friends, who were sharing the tent, were rushed to hospital after they suffered serious injuries in the strike. A Labrador dog, that had been with them at the time, also died in the incident.

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Jacqui Stavis, 28, was killed after the bolt hit her tent at the T-Bois Blues Festival in Larose on Friday night.

The 28-year-old had posted this picture of a balloon release at the festival on Facebook shortly before her death

Investigators say the friends had all retreated into the small personal tent when a thunderstorm began at the popular festival - which has been branded the 'Cajun Burning Man' in recent years, NOLA reports.

Today, Stavis' boyfriend of seven years left a heartwarming to tribute to his 'best friend, 'lover, life partner' and his 'deepest love'.

Jake Gold, who lived with his girlfriend in New Orleans' Mid City, said she brightened the life of everyone she met.

'In seven years, our love for each other only grew,' he wrote. 'We hardly ever fought. We embraced each other's weirdness, wildness, passions and friends.

'The love poured out of her and enveloped everyone and everything in its path.

'Jacqui Stavis you were simply the best. I will love you and remember your smile and voice forever.

Today, Stavis' boyfriend, Jake Gold (pictured with her) of seven years left a heartwarming to tribute to his 'best friend, 'lover, life partner' and his 'deepest love'

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said Stavis (left, and right) a massage therapist, had been found unresponsive after the lightning strike on Friday which occurred at around 10pm

The outgoing massage therapist was pronounced dead at a Lafourche Parish hospital the following day

'Thank you for sharing the best years of our lives together, and for making me a better person. You will be missed every day. This is going to be so tough.'

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said Stavis, a massage therapist, had been found unresponsive after the lightning strike on Friday which occurred at around 10pm.

She was pronounced dead at a Lafourche Parish hospital the following day.

Her two friends, whose names have not yet been released, are in a serious condition in hospital.

Around 1,200 festival goers from all over the world attend the three-day blues festival, T-Bois, held at an alligator farm in Louisiana every year.

Headlines by guitarist Anders Osborne, it has continued to grow in popularity since it was founded decades ago and tickets are thought to have sold out for this year's event.

While the festival is no stranger to extreme weather, this is thought to be the first time a festival goer has ever been hit by lightning.

Friends and family have paid tribute to Stavis on social media after her tragic death.

Investigators say the friends had all retreated into the small personal tent when a thunderstorm began at the popular festival at an alligator farm in Louisiana

Jake Gold, who lived with his girlfriend in New Orleans' Mid City, said she brightened the life of everyone she met

Nola Bunarchy wrote on Facebook: 'It is beyond comprehension and utter sadness that one of the brightest lights in the universe is no longer shining on earth.

'Jacqui Stavis, one of the most generous, kind and true spirited soles is gone. 'I will endeavor to shine as bright as you have shined on everyone you came in contact with.'

Matthew L. Crowson described Stavis as a 'really sweet lady' who 'truly enjoyed helping people.

While Mark Shays added: 'Today, this world lost one of the most genuine, kind, giving, beautiful, and extraordinary people I have been privileged to know.

'I'm filled with sorrow, but grateful that I got to know and love Jacqui Stavis, an incredible friend who always inspires and spreads joy. We love you!'

Stavis is the first person in America to be killed by a lightning strike in 2016, according to the National Weather Service's Lightning Safety.

Last year, 26 Americans lost their lives after being hit by a bolt - the same as in 2014.

Between 1959 and 2003, there have been 3,696 deaths as a result of lightning strikes.

The odds of being struck by lightning in the U.S. in any one year is 1 in 700,000. This compares to the odds of winning the Powerball, around 1 in 292 million.