A Utah man has died after being struck by lightning while riding a Jet Ski off the coast of Florida over the weekend.
According to the Daily Mail, 47-year-old Steve Matheson was riding near Fort De Soto Park at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday when he was struck by lightning.
Emergency responders rushed Matheson to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Family Remembers Devoted Husband and Father
Following his death, Matheson’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support his loved ones. In the fundraiser, they described him as “a wonderful man, devoted husband, and loving father.”
Matheson is survived by his wife and four children.
Third Fatal Lightning Strike in Florida in Less Than a Week
Matheson’s death marks the third fatal lightning strike reported in Florida in less than a week, according to Tallahassee.com.
On Aug. 23, 31-year-old Kenya Glasgow and her 2-year-old daughter were struck by lightning outside a relative’s home in Margate.
Later that same day, another child was struck by lightning near Boynton Beach.
Florida consistently records more lightning strikes than any other state, and officials regularly urge residents and visitors to seek shelter immediately when thunderstorms develop.