LIGHTNING
A young woman killed by a freak lightning strike that also injured her boyfriend has been remembered for her gentle and giving nature.

Lauren Brownlee was watching Friday night's dramatic thunderstorms with partner Ben Hollow from a lookout in Melbourne's northeast when she was hit.

The pair worked together at a Croydon real estate agency, where she was an office manager and he a sales agent.

Mr Hollow underwent surgery on his legs yesterday and last night remained in a serious but stable condition at The Alfred hospital.

Friends and colleagues yesterday paid tribute to Ms Brownlee, originally from Wagga Wagga in NSW.

"Lauren's 'work family' at Stockdale & Leggo Croydon are devastated. 'Loz' was loved by everyone for her gentle kind and giving nature," the staff said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to her family and her partner, Ben."

Ms Brownlee and Mr Hollow, both in their early 20s, had stopped at Sunset Drive in Chirnside Park to watch the lightning.

They were standing near a tree next to their parked silver Holden Commodore when the freak accident unfolded.

Ms Brownlee was taken to Maroondah Hospital where it is understood she suffered a series of heart attacks. A pair of thongs believed to be hers was taken from the scene by police earlier on Saturday.

Benjamin Hollow with Lauren Brownlee
Benjamin Hollow with Lauren Brownlee
Photographs of Ms Brownlee and Mr Hollow show a young, happy couple with a life ahead of them.

Ms Brownlee loved photog­raphy, music and art and also enjoyed playing video games and watching motocross.

She had worked in real estate for more than five years.

A colleague posted on social media that Ms Brownlee was "unreplaceable". She had a "wonderful heart of gold" and was "another angel (who) has got her wings," the colleague wrote.