In an unpredictable world, where life can change in an instant, few understand just how fragile existence can be until they experience it firsthand. For Jared and Misty Blackwelder, a farming couple from Springfield, Missouri, their lives were irrevocably altered one Saturday morning in 2017, when an unimaginable disaster struck their farm.

The Blackwelders, who owned a herd of 32 dairy cows, had just finished their usual routine of feeding the animals. The weather, which had recently been marked by heavy flooding, seemed to be clearing up. While dark storm clouds could be seen gathering in the distance, the couple decided to leave the cows grazing in their pasture for the afternoon, believing they were safe from further danger. Little did they know, fate had other plans, and by the end of the day, they would face a tragedy that would leave them in disbelief.

As the day wore on, the storm clouds grew darker, and the skies rumbled with thunder. By the time Jared and Misty returned to check on their herd, the scene they encountered was nothing short of devastating. All 32 of their dairy cows had been struck by lightning, and the once-vibrant animals were now lifeless, leaving behind a pile of charred corpses. The horror of finding their entire herd dead was a cruel shock for the couple, who had poured their hearts into raising and caring for the animals.

The local community was quick to offer support, with the Wright County Missouri Farm Bureau sharing the heartbreaking images of the fallen cows, encouraging people to pray for the Blackwelders during this tragic time. MFB President Stan Cody spoke to CBS News, acknowledging that while lightning strikes on livestock do occur, the scale of this tragedy was extraordinary. “It’s a common occurrence, but the sheer number of cows affected in this case made it especially difficult,” he said.

A local veterinarian confirmed that lightning was indeed the cause of the cows’ deaths, noting that such a large-scale lightning strike was incredibly rare. The veterinarian explained that it was unusual to see lightning strike and kill more than six cows at once. Given the circumstances, it was believed that the cows may have huddled together for shelter as the storm approached, which might have made them more vulnerable to the strike.

For Jared, the emotional toll was immense. While he acknowledged that the cows were not pets, the bond between a farmer and their dairy cattle is unique. “It’s not like they are pets,” he said, “but the ones I’m milking, I’ve raised every one of them.” Dairy cows, he explained, are different from other livestock because of the daily interaction. “You mess with them twice a day, and it knocks you hard,” he added.

The financial impact was equally staggering. With each cow valued at $2,000 to $2,500, the Blackwelders faced a loss of over $60,000. This tragic event not only impacted their hearts but also their livelihood, as the loss of their herd left them without a critical source of income.

The Blackwelders’ experience serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the harsh realities that farmers can face. Despite the tragedy, their story is one of resilience, with the support of their community offering a glimmer of hope as they work to recover from the unimaginable loss.