Lightning Strike Destroys Famous Jesus Statue in Ohio 

Dayton Daily News

MONROE, OHIO - Charred remnants remained Tuesday morning of the large Jesus statue iconic to Interstate 75 that was destroyed following an apparent lightning strike during a thunderstorm late night before.

The Lawrence Bishop Music Theater at Solid Rock Church on Union Road endured smoke damage, according to officials. Damages to the King of Kings statue and the theater were estimated to be around $700,000, said Monroe Fire Chief Mark Neu.

Church member Cassie Browning, 27, of Dayton, said she was driving north on I-75 on her way back from Tennessee when she and her family saw smoke and noticed the statue missing. “It meant so much to so many people,” Browning said. “The statue can be destroyed and gone, but Jesus can’t be.”

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDya5ObTFtI&feature=playe r_embedded - Watch the video.

http://bit.ly/9RBEzq - Listen to the 911 call.

Editor’s Note:  Time references were updated from the original version of this story.