Lightning struck in Florida, killing one and injuring two others, according to reports.
A 29-year-old Colorado man was killed by lightning shortly before 12:30 p.m. on June 20 while standing in ankle-deep water in New Smyrna Beach, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue spokesperson Tamra Malphurs told USA TODAY via email.
Malphurs stated that CPR was immediately started and life-saving measures were taken, but the man could not be revived and was “transported from the scene unresponsive.”
“He sadly died from the injuries he sustained,” Malphurs said. According to the Daytona Beach News-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network, the deceased is Jake A. Rosencranz. This was Florida’s first lightning fatality this year.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood wrote on Facebook that the man was accompanied by his wife.
“They were visiting our beaches to celebrate their wedding. Chitwood wrote, “In one terrifying second, everything changed.” “I also want to thank everyone who worked so quickly to render aid and get him to the hospital for a fighting chance.”
Authorities stated that the couple was on their honeymoon.
Two golfers were struck by lightning simultaneously.
Rosencranz was not the only person struck by lightning in New Smyrna Beach, about 55 miles northeast of Orlando, that day.
In a separate incident on the same day, two people were struck by lightning while golfing at the Venetian Bay Golf Course, according to News 6 and WESH.
The golfers were struck indirectly by lightning on the golf course around 12:18 p.m. on June 20, according to News 6, citing the NSB Fire Department. Both victims were evaluated on the scene and did not require emergency transportation to the hospital, according to media reports.
The NSB fire department and the Venetian Bay golf course did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for additional information about the incident.
Lightning is not uncommon in Florida, which remains the state with the most lightning in 2024, according to AEM, which describes itself as an essential source for environmental insights.
