What was supposed to be a joyful honeymoon for a young couple from Colorado turned into a heartbreaking tragedy on a Florida beach last Friday following a lightning strike. According to Volusia County Beach Safety, a 29-year-old man was struck by lightning while standing in ankle-deep water.
The strangest part? The sky was clear and blue, and the storm was miles away, making lightning strikes incredibly rare. Witnesses told WESH they saw nothing but sunshine moments before the strike.
The man was quickly rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but sadly passed away. Volusia County Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs confirmed the victim’s death. Sheriff Mike Chitwood took to Facebook, offering heartfelt condolences to the widow.
“At just 29, he should have had many more anniversaries with his wife,” he wrote.
In another close call, two people golfing at Venetian Bay Golf Course in New Smyrna Beach were “indirectly struck” by lightning. Thankfully, they didn’t need hospital treatment, city officials told WTVG.
According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida sees more lightning strikes than any other state. There is an average of about 1.2 million a year.
This tragic death marks Florida’s first lightning fatality of 2025, while other states like North Carolina, Mississippi, and Texas have already reported similar losses, per the National Weather Service. This is a sobering reminder that lightning can be unpredictable, so always stay alert, even when the sun is shining.
Prayers up for the bride!
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