Surveillance video shows family narrowly avoid being struck by lightning
A father and his children have a near miss during a thunderstorm in Massachusetts.
A man was killed and three members of his family were injured when lightning struck people off the coast of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on July 3, authorities said.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the 6500 block of Estero Boulevard around 2:20 p.m. on Friday, July 3, after receiving a report of a man struck by lightning while swimming in the Gulf. When first responders arrived, bystanders were already performing CPR.
Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by witnesses and emergency personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said the strike occurred as active storms moved through the area.
Authorities identified the victim as 51-year-old Viktar Kilik.
Deputies said Kilik and three other family members who were with him were taken to a local hospital for tests. Officials said their condition was stable after the incident. Once the call came in, emergency crews responded to multiple locations along Estero Boulevard. USA TODAY has reached out to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for additional comment.
Lightning risk in Florida waters
Lightning is common in Florida, especially during the summer storm season. According to the National Weather Service, about 20 people are killed by lightning each year in the United States and hundreds more are injured.
Florida consistently ranks as the most lightning-prone state in the country. Lee County and nearby areas have been identified as frequent hotspots in recent annual lightning activity reports.
Safety officials warn that lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm and that people outdoors should evacuate immediately if they hear thunder. He recommends waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outside.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or X @athompsonUSAT.
