Home / Disasters and Accidents / Florida Jet Skier Fatally Struck by Lightning
Florida Jet Skier Fatally Struck by Lightning
1 Sep
Summary
- Father of four died from lightning strike while jet skiing.
- He was caught in a sudden storm near Fort De Soto, Tampa Bay.
- Nearly 90% of lightning strike victims survive, making this rare.
A father of four visiting from Utah has died after being fatally struck by lightning while jet skiing in Florida. Steve Matheson was on the water near Fort De Soto, Tampa Bay, with a friend when they were caught in a sudden, severe storm.
They attempted to return to shore but were caught in the lightning. Matheson was found unresponsive in the water by sheriff's deputies and later pronounced dead at the hospital. He is remembered by friends and family as a devoted father and husband.
Matheson's death occurred shortly after another lightning strike incident in Margate, Florida, where a mother and her young daughter also lost their lives. The CDC notes that nearly 90 percent of lightning strike victims survive, making Matheson's case exceptionally rare.
