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Lightning Strike Kills Utah Hiker on Mountain Peak
22 Jul
Summary
- A 59-year-old man died after being struck by lightning.
- The incident occurred while hiking American Fork Twin Peaks.
- This is the fifth reported lightning death in the US this year.
A hiking trip in Utah ended in tragedy on July 18 when a 59-year-old man was struck and killed by lightning. The incident occurred near the summit of American Fork Twin Peaks.
The victim and his brother had paused their hike due to shifting weather but continued when they didn't initially see lightning. While near the peak, the victim was struck. His brother, who had started descending, was unharmed and later assisted off the mountain by ski patrol.
This death is the fifth reported lightning fatality in the United States this year. In comparison, 21 people died from lightning strikes last year, and 14 the year before. The National Lightning Safety Council estimates the odds of being struck in a lifetime are about 1 in 18,043.
The article also details common ways people are struck by lightning, including conduction, direct strikes, side flashes, and ground current. It advises seeking shelter in a fully enclosed vehicle or staying indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
