Lightning, Not Lava, Killed Hiker on Etna | Topeka News

A Wichita programmer, Dylan Standfast, died at 29 after being struck by lightning while hiking Mount Etna — Europe’s most active volcano. His tragic death highlights a chilling truth: lightning, not volcanic eruptions, has caused more fatalities on Mount Etna in recent decades. Standing above the tree line during a storm triggered by recent ash plumes, Standfast was airlifted to hospital but succumbed to injuries. His passing echoes another lightning fatality that same day in the Italian Alps, prompting authorities to urge hikers to heed weather warnings and restricted zones — even amid dramatic geological wonders. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f8db86e4eb8dbd84