HORRIFIC Lightning Strike Kills GROOM

In a tragic twist of fate, Colorado resident Jake A. Rosencranz was fatally struck by lightning while standing in ankle-deep water during his honeymoon at New Smyrna Beach, Florida, despite clear blue skies overhead.

Key Takeaways

• Jake A. Rosencranz, 29, from Colorado was fatally struck by lightning while on his honeymoon at New Smyrna Beach, Florida
• The lightning bolt came from a storm several miles away while skies were still clear at the beach
• Lifeguards immediately performed CPR and other life-saving measures before Rosencranz was transported to the hospital
• Despite medical intervention, Rosencranz succumbed to his injuries the following morning
• This marks Florida’s first lightning fatality of 2025

A Honeymoon Turns Tragic

What began as a joyous celebration of marriage ended in heartbreak when 29-year-old Jake A. Rosencranz from Colorado was struck by lightning while enjoying his honeymoon at New Smyrna Beach. The incident occurred near the 27th Avenue Beach area while Rosencranz was standing in ankle-deep water. Beach safety officials confirmed that no other individuals were injured in the strike, which happened without warning from a storm brewing miles away from the beach location. The sudden and unexpected nature of the strike left beachgoers and first responders shocked.

Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Director Tammy Malphurs explained the unusual circumstances surrounding the tragedy. “This was a very rare occurrence, there was not a storm immediately over us,” said Tammy Malphurs, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Director.

Emergency Response and Aftermath

Immediately following the lightning strike, lifeguards on duty rushed to Rosencranz’s aid, performing CPR and implementing other life-saving measures while waiting for emergency services to arrive. The victim was quickly transported to AdventHealth in New Smyrna Beach in critical condition. Despite the swift response and medical intervention, Rosencranz passed away from his injuries on Saturday morning, leaving behind his new spouse and grieving family members. The incident has sent shockwaves through both the local community and Rosencranz’s hometown in Colorado.

Colorado man dies after lightning strike on Florida beach during honeymoon, officials sayhttps://t.co/HBDBa0GA8m

— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 24, 2025

“This lightning bolt came from a storm several miles away. So we still had blue skies over us,” said Tammy Malphurs, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Director.

Authorities noted that beach officials had not closed the beach at the time of the incident because there was no immediate storm overhead. The tragic event underscores the unpredictable nature of lightning strikes, which can travel significant distances from their storm origin. Weather experts often warn that if thunder can be heard, lightning is close enough to pose a danger, regardless of whether rain is falling or storm clouds are visible directly overhead.

Lightning Safety Awareness

This devastating incident marks Florida’s first lightning fatality of 2025. Florida has historically been known as the “lightning capital” of the United States, with a higher frequency of strikes than many other states. Beach environments are particularly dangerous during lightning events due to flat, open terrain and the conductivity of water. Safety experts emphasize that no place outdoors is completely safe during a thunderstorm, and that lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the nearest rainfall.

“It’s one of those rare and just tragic things,” said Tammy Malphurs, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Director.

In light of this tragedy, beach safety officials are reminding visitors about the importance of monitoring weather conditions and seeking proper shelter at the first signs of an approaching storm. The recommended safety protocol is to move indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle when thunder is audible, regardless of how distant it may seem. Authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances of this incident, with further updates expected as more information becomes available.