Lightning Strike Kills Colorado Man on Honeymoon in Florida; Two Others Injured on Golf Course
- Victor Nwoko
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
A 29-year-old Colorado man was killed and two others were injured after separate lightning strikes in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on June 20, marking the state’s first lightning-related fatality of the year.
Jake A. Rosencranz was standing in ankle-deep water at the beach shortly before 12:30 p.m. when he was directly struck by lightning, according to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue. Emergency responders immediately administered CPR and life-saving efforts, but Rosencranz was unresponsive and later pronounced dead after being transported from the scene.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood confirmed the tragic event in a statement, revealing that Rosencranz and his wife were in Florida celebrating their honeymoon. “In one terrifying second everything changed,” Chitwood said. “I want to thank everyone who worked so quickly to render aid and get him to the hospital for a fighting chance.”
In a separate incident around the same time, two people were indirectly struck by lightning at the Venetian Bay Golf Course in New Smyrna Beach. According to the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department, the lightning strike occurred at approximately 12:18 p.m. Both individuals were evaluated at the scene and did not require hospitalization.
The two lightning strikes occurred within minutes of each other, reinforcing Florida’s reputation as the lightning capital of the United States. According to environmental insights provider AEM, Florida leads the nation in lightning frequency in 2024.
The NSB Fire Department and Venetian Bay Golf Course have not released additional details regarding the second incident.
Officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise caution during thunderstorms and to seek shelter immediately when lightning is observed.
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