Hunters Killed by Lightning Strikes in Florida and Colorado

On September 26, 2025, authorities in Florida and Colorado reported the tragic deaths of several hunters due to suspected lightning strikes.

In Florida, the Highlands County Sheriff's Office received a call on September 24th about two men, aged 38 and 31, who had not returned from a hunting trip. Their bodies were later found on a levee near a canal, along with their hunting dogs. The sheriff's office believes the men were killed by a lightning strike, as the area is known for frequent and intense summer storms.

Just a week earlier, on September 18th, two 25-year-old hunters were found dead in southern Colorado after a massive search. Coroner Richard Martin stated that their injuries were consistent with a "pretty intense electrical jolt," including minor burn marks and singed hair. Autopsy results are expected in the coming weeks.

Authorities in both states are urging the public to take extreme caution when outdoors during storms. Sheriff Paul Blackman of Highlands County warned, "If you can hear thunder, that means lightning is close enough to strike, even if the sky doesn't look too bad yet." He advised seeking immediate shelter in a vehicle or sturdy building as the safest course of action.

These tragic incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to closely monitor weather conditions and have a plan to reach safety at the first sign of a storm.