Lightning Strike Claims Life at Beach | Jacksonville News

A devastating lightning strike on Fort Myers Beach over the Fourth of July weekend took the life of 51-year-old Viktar Kiryk while he was in the water with his family. Three others were hospitalized but are stable. This tragedy underscores Florida’s alarming lightning fatality rate — the highest in the nation last year — and serves as a sobering reminder that summer storms can strike with deadly speed. Officials urge everyone to heed the simple, life-saving rule: when you hear thunder, seek substantial shelter immediately and stay there for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office honored the quick response of bystanders and first responders, while the National Lightning Safety Council reinforces that a sturdy building or hard-top vehicle is your safest bet — and staying put is non-negotiable. 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/badb83f08748b40d