Utah man killed by lightning strike while jet skiing in Florida

Steve Matheson, a 47-year-old father of four from Utah, died after being struck by lightning while riding a jet ski near Fort De Soto Park in the St. Petersburg, Florida area. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Matheson was rushed to a hospital following the strike but later succumbed to his injuries. National Weather Service meteorologist Robert Molleda noted that summer storms can develop rapidly, warning that “the first rumble of thunder might be too late” as early lightning strikes can be particularly deadly before conditions appear fully threatening.

Family members have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Matheson’s wife, Abbie, and their four children, with funds intended to help return his body to Utah. The fundraiser has already raised significant portions of its goal.