Lightning Strike at New Jersey Archery Range Kills Instructor, Injures 14 Including Children
- Victor Nwoko
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
A lightning strike at an outdoor archery range in Jackson Township, New Jersey, left one man dead and 14 others injured Wednesday evening, including several children as young as 7 years old, authorities confirmed.
The tragic incident occurred shortly after 7 p.m. at the Black Knight Bowbenders Archery Club, where a scout troop was receiving archery instruction. Robert Montgomery, 61, a volunteer instructor from Cinnaminson, was killed when a bolt of lightning struck a tree near the shooting area. Montgomery was leading the session at the time.
According to officials, 14 others were injured in the strike, some suffering burns and other trauma. One individual briefly lost consciousness but later regained it and received treatment from emergency responders on site. Among the injured were at least four children.
The lightning bolt reportedly hit a tree close to where scouts and volunteers were actively participating in the session, sending a powerful electrical surge through the surrounding area. Victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment of varying injuries, including one with severe burns.
Montgomery was known as a dedicated volunteer at the nonprofit archery club, which regularly hosts scout troops and youth archery programs. The Black Knight Bowbenders Archery Club confirmed the instructor’s death and the circumstances of the lightning strike.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy addressed the incident, stating he had been briefed on the tragedy and extended his condolences, urging residents to pray for the victims and their families. Severe weather alerts for flash floods and thunderstorms had been issued across the state earlier in the evening, including warnings from the governor to remain indoors.
This marks the second lightning-related fatality in New Jersey this week. On July 8, 28-year-old golfer Simon John Mariani was struck by lightning while playing the 15th hole at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hardyston. He died from his injuries on Monday.
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