A Colorado man has been killed after being struck by lightning while enjoying his day at Cape Charles beach in Virginia.
The 41-year-old died from cardiac arrest and a woman suffered minor injuries. They were both sitting under an umbrella when a bolt of lightning struck them in a quick flash.
Emergency medical services rushed to the beach near Washington and Bay Avenue around 3.30pm on Thursday. They immediately performed CPR on arrival before he was taken to the hospital where he passed away.
'The sky was very black, and you could see the storm, you can always see the storms as they come across the bay,' said John Lockwood, a Cape Charles resident.
Lockwood recalled the exact moment tragedy hit.
'As I was putting the car away, I heard the flash and instant thunder, one after another. All I saw was colors, yellow, green, blue and white. We had no idea that someone had been killed until we saw police responding.'
Multiple families and children were outside watching as the storm got closer while lightning strikes swept across the beach, according to town manager Rick Keuroglian.
As heavy rain fell, up to 70 strikes were detected within a five-minute period. Other beachgoers described the scene as scary and violent.
AJ Asadi and Chris Jackson, two Virginia locals, said they saw the flashes of light during their drive to the beach.
The 41-year-old died from cardiac arrest and a woman suffered minor injuries. They were both sitting under an umbrella when a bolt of lightning struck them in a quick flash
Emergency medical services rushed to the beach near Washington and Bay Avenues around 3.30pm on Thursday. They immediately performed CPR on arrival
'It's very heartbreaking. It's such a serene area and just the odds of that happening, it's very sad,' said Donna Dodds, a beach visitor
Multiple families and children were outside watching as the storm got closer while lightning strikes swept across the beach, according to town manager Rick Keuroglian
As heavy rain fell, up to 70 strikes were detected within a five-minute period. Other beachgoers described the scene as scary and violent
'What are the chances of that? You come on vacation and your dream turns into a nightmare,' Asadi told 13NewsNow.
The National Weather Service reports that about 300 people are struck by lightning every year. But only three to five percent are injured by a direct strike. Most injuries and fatalities come from indirect strikes.
His death marked the 10th lightning fatality this year in the US. It is the first recorded in Virginia since 2023, according to statistics from the National Lightning Safety Council.
'It's very heartbreaking. It's such a serene area and just the odds of that happening, it's very sad,' said Donna Dodds, a beach visitor.
'The Cape Charles Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,' Chief James Pruitt told Shore Daily News.
He stated the name of the deceased man will not be released out of respect for his family. Although the man did not survive, the woman is expected to make a full recovery.
