Third Lightning Fatality in Florida in a Week Claims Life of Utah Tourist
A Utah man, Steve Matheson, tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning while jet skiing near St. Petersburg, Florida, on August 29, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m. (Source: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office). This incident marks the third lightning-related fatality in Florida within a week. Florida, known as the lightning capital of the U.S., has reported 100 lightning deaths from 2006 to 2025, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. Matheson, a father of four, was visiting Florida when the lightning strike occurred. He was transported to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. This incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by lightning, particularly in Florida, which leads the nation in lightning-related fatalities. 
