A 20-year-old male died from his injuries Thursday night after he was struck by lightning, Lawrence County Coroner Greg Randolph said.

Hatton resident Hunter Blankenship, who had aspirations to become a meteorologist, was out in his front lawn when a lightning bolt hit him around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Randolph said.

The victim was transported to Lawrence Medical Center and was later flown to UAB hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Blankenship was a 2014 graduate of Hatton High School and a sophomore at University of Alabama in Huntsville.

Hatton Assistant Principal Delaina Greene remembers Blankenship as a person who strived to be anyone's best friend. Since seventh grade the student had a stubborn smile and respectful attitude, she said.

"He was the most gentle person you will ever know," Greene said. "His death hit us hard because we truly do realize we all lost a best friend."

Greene said was always mesmerized by the weather. That's why he went to UAH to study atmospheric science.

"He may have been 20 years old, but he was researching and doing stuff that he loved," Greene said. "He was living life to the fullest. I take comfort in that."

Blankenship's friends went on his Facebook page to mourn a loss of a friend.