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A 29-year-old man from Colorado died after being struck by lightning while he was in shallow waters at New Smyrna Beach, in Volusia County, Florida.
The most dramatic aspect is that the victim, Jake Rosencranz, was on his honeymoon with his wife and there were no immediate signs of a storm in the sky at the time of the tragic incident, which occurred just before 12:30 PM on June 20th.
Rescue maneuvers and demise
According to the Beach Safety Director of Volusia County, Tamra Malphurs, emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene following the impact.
“Artificial respiration was immediately administered, and measures were taken to save his life”, explained in a statement cited by CBS News Miami.
Rosencranz was transferred unconscious to the hospital in critical condition, where he passed away the next day, Saturday, June 22.
Photographs taken at the beach showed lifeguards and bathers moving urgently to assist the victim.
The tragedy shocked both residents and tourists, especially given the seemingly favorable weather conditions at the time of the incident.
Condolences and official reactions
The Volusia County Sheriff, Mike Chitwood, expressed his condolences through social media.
"They were visiting our beaches to celebrate their wedding. In a terrifying moment, everything changed. My heart is with them tonight," he posted on his Facebook account.
He also thanked the rescuers and medical staff for acting quickly in an attempt to save the young man's life.
"I want to thank everyone who worked swiftly to provide assistance and take him to the hospital so that he had a chance to survive," he wrote.
So far, the authorities have not disclosed any further personal details about the deceased, respecting the privacy of their family.
An uncommon weather phenomenon: The "blue sky lightning"
The case has drawn attention due to the unusual circumstances of the impact.
According to WESH and CBS News Miami, the lightning struck approximately 6.4 kilometers from the center of the nearest storm.
This is known as "blue sky lightning strike" or "blue sky lightning," a discharge that can impact land from a distant storm, even under clear skies.
"The sky was completely clear and the storm was like kilometers away from us," reported a witness, Pepper Pyle, to the media outlet WESH.
This type of lightning, explained the National Severe Storms Laboratory, "starts within a cloud, exits from one side of the storm, and then travels horizontally away from the cloud before striking the ground."
The National Meteorological Service warns that lightning can strike up to 32 kilometers away from the main core of the storm.
Other incidents related to that same day
On the same Friday, around 12:18 PM, two golfers at the Venetian Bay Golf Course, also in New Smyrna Beach, were indirectly struck by lightning.
According to information provided by the local Fire Department to WKMG, both were assessed on site and did not require hospital transfer.
Hours later, in Marco Island (on the Gulf Coast), another lightning bolt struck a tiki-style cabin, lightly injuring three people in their twenties.
The victims were taken to a hospital for treatment. According to the authorities, their injuries were caused by the "ground current" generated by the lightning strike.
Safety warnings during storms
The city spokesperson, Ava Hanner, took the opportunity to reiterate an important message: “This serves as an important reminder: ‘When it thunders, seek shelter.’”
"If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning, even if the sky looks clear," he added.
Florida is one of the states with the highest incidence of lightning in the United States, especially during the summer season.
Local authorities have emphasized the need to exercise extreme caution and heed weather alerts, even when the weather appears to pose no danger.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tragedy at the Florida Beach Due to a Lightning Strike
What is a "blue sky ray" and how can it occur?
A "blue sky lightning" is a meteorological phenomenon in which a lightning strike hits the ground from a distant storm, even if the sky is clear at the impact location. This type of lightning starts inside a cloud, exits from one side of the storm, and travels horizontally before hitting the ground. It can strike up to 32 kilometers from the storm's main core.
How did the lightning incident happen at New Smyrna Beach?
The young Jake Rosencranz was struck by lightning while in the shallow waters of New Smyrna Beach in Florida. Despite the clear sky and the nearest storm being 6.4 kilometers away, the lightning hit Rosencranz, who passed away the following day in the hospital.
What safety measures should be taken during thunderstorms at the beach?
To avoid being struck by lightning, it is crucial to seek shelter immediately when thunder is heard, even if the sky appears clear. The mantra "When it thunders, seek shelter" is an essential warning. Lightning can strike the ground at great distances from an active storm.
How did local authorities react to the lightning incident?
The Volusia County sheriff, Mike Chitwood, expressed his condolences through social media and thanked the swift work of the paramedics and medical staff. Authorities emphasized the importance of the emergency teams who acted quickly to try to save Rosencranz's life.
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