Urgent warning for July 4th beachgoers as swimmer is killed and three others suffer injuries after being struck by LIGHTNING
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest beach weekends, but scattered thunderstorms brought on by a historic and deadly heat wave have created a very dangerous situation for swimmers looking to cool off.
A family of four was struck by lightning while enjoying a beach day on Friday in Fort Myers, Florida. One was killed, and three were taken to a hospital where they are in stable condition, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Viktar Kiryk, 51, was identified as the sole fatality. Authorities said Kiryk was pulled out of the water by bystanders and first responders at around 2.20pm.
The Fort Myers Beach Fire District shared just after 3pm that they were still at the scene after a lightning strike involving multiple patients.
A bystander deployed an AED (automated external defibrillator) and started to perform CPR.
When the fire department arrived, Kiryk’s family members were transported to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The department warned residents and visitors to ‘immediately seek shelter when you hear thunder or see lightning,’ issuing a reminder that ‘when thunder roars, go indoors.’
‘This tragic incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder that Florida’s summer storms can develop rapidly,’ the sheriff’s department added.
A family of four was struck by lightning while swimming at Fort Myers Beach in Florida on Friday, and one was killed. Authorities are pictured at the beach
The lightning strike killed 51-year-old Viktar Kiryk. Authorities are pictured talking to witnesses at the beach
‘If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water immediately and seek safe shelter.
‘Whether you call Southwest Florida home, are visiting, or are simply passing through, stay weather-aware, prioritize your safety, and look out for one another.’
The department also shared condolences with the victim’s family and thanked first responders and bystanders for springing into action.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach said in a statement that the city government ‘extends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all those affected, and to the family, loved ones, and friends of the deceased.’
Residents of a nearby condo complex told Gulf Coast News that they heard a loud crack of thunder around 2.15pm and just minutes later saw the chaos at the beach.
Mary Hack said she had been on the beach earlier that day, but packed up her stuff when the weather turned.
Riley Russo, another beachgoer, added that she and her friends left for 45 minutes and came back to a crowd of emergency responders blocking off the shore.
Gulf Coast News reported that the victim’s body had been left lying on the beach for three hours until a coroner arrived.
Police warned to always immediately get out of water ‘if you hear thunder or see lightning.’ Lightning is pictured striking the Florida coast during a different storm
Police also offered condolences to the family. Authorities are pictured at the cordoned-off scene of the death
Authorities have warned beachgoers to find shelter if they hear thunder, stressing that lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the rain.
It’s also important to stay out of the water for at least 30 minutes after hearing thunder and seek shelter inside.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office told the Daily Mail that there were no updates when reached for comment.
