Lightning strike at Fort Myers Beach kills one, injures three
A lightning bolt struck a group of people in the ocean at Fort Myers Beach, Florida, killing a 51-year-old man and injuring three family members who were later hospitalized in stable condition.
Emergency crews responded to a lightning strike that hit four people swimming off Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on Friday. One victim, identified by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as 51-year-old Viktar Kiryk, was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead. The three other individuals, members of Kiryk’s family, were taken to a hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.
According to the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District, a bystander applied an automated external defibrillator and performed CPR before first responders arrived, but the efforts did not revive the victim. The sheriff’s office emphasized that the incident underscores how quickly summer storms can develop in the region.
"To our residents and visitors, please stay aware of the weather and the environment. You should immediately seek shelter when you hear thunder or see lightning," the fire department said.
"If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water immediately and seek safe shelter," the sheriff’s office added.
The town of Fort Myers Beach posted a statement on social media expressing sympathy for those affected.
