Pembroke Pines Fire and Rescue said they found the teen unconscious, in cardiac arrest. They say he appeared to have burn wounds on his chest and inner thighs, consistent with a lightning strike.
THE TAKEAWAY
- An adult male jet skier died after being struck by lightning near Fort De Soto.
- Ongoing storms continue to bring severe weather threats to the Southeast.
- The National Weather Service says lightning typically occurs more often during the summer months.
FORT DE SOTO, Fla.- A jet skier has died after being struck by lightning near Fort De Soto, Florida, as ongoing storms continue to bring severe weather threats to the Southeast.
According to James Miller, public information officer for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 6:35 p.m. on Saturday when an adult male jet skier was struck by lightning. He was transferred to a hospital for treatment.
Authorities later confirmed he did not survive.
FILE: A lightning bolt strikes the ground in Orlando, Florida on Aug. 6, 2025.
(FOX Weather)
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), lightning typically occurs more often during the summer months.
LIGHTNING STRIKE KILLS MOTHER AND 2-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER IN BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
“Lightning kills about 20 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured,” the agency said.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, the stormy weather pattern that started early last week is carrying into this week, bringing ongoing threats of heavy downpours, gusty winds and flood threats.
FILE: Lightning over a Florida beach during a severe thunderstorm warning.
(Joel Albair)
‘BOLT FROM THE BLUE’: HOW DANGEROUS LIGHTNING CAN STRIKE MILES AWAY FROM THUNDERSTORMS
By Monday, at least 1 to 3 inches of rain will likely have fallen for most of the Southeast.
Additionally, lightning remains a severe hazard for anyone outdoors. The National Weather Service urges people to take shelter indoors whenever thunder is heard, as lightning can strike well outside the immediate area of heavy rainfall.
