Claims of witchcraft as bride is killed by lightening just six days after getting married

Colorado, USA: A bride has been killed by a lightning strike just six days after she tied the knot.

Kathleen Bartlett was married on July 11 to her partner Ryan Pocious - but when the pair was out hiking on July 17, they were hit by a sudden bolt of lightning.

Teacher Kathleen, 31, was killed and Ryan, 32, remained in hospital until Sunday, when he was allowed to go home.

The couple, from Denver, Colorado, met when Kathleen was working as a cocktail waitress, according to the couple's wedding web page.

The became engaged within six months of meeting, and were married at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Kathleen, known to her friends as Katie, has been remembered by friend Deborah Young, who plans to set up a scholarship in her name, reported the New York Daily News.

"She just was so in love and so grateful and just so happy. My heart goes to [Pocius] incredibly. The pain he must be feeling, I can't even imagine."

Katie and Deborah went to Nicaragua some years ago to work with children who live in landfills, and former college professor Deborah paid tribute to her friend's generosity and kindness, reported ABC 7.

Another friend, friend Martin Armendariz, said: "Katie was honestly one of the kindest, brightest and loving souls I've ever had the honor of knowing. She cared deeply for her fellow man and was a force of good wherever she was."

The storm which killed Katie saw an estimated 300 lightning strikes hit the mountain the couple were hiking on.

Two other hikers also got struck, but they have minor injuries.