A 29-year-old Colorado man’s honeymoon turned into a tragedy when he was fatally struck by lightning while standing in ankle-deep water at New Smyrna Beach, Florida, despite clear blue skies overhead.
Key Takeaways
- Jake A. Rosencranz, 29, from Colorado was killed by lightning while on his honeymoon at New Smyrna Beach, Florida
- The lightning bolt struck from a storm several miles away while Rosencranz was standing in ankle-deep water at 27th Avenue Beach
- Beach safety officials had not closed the beach as there was no immediate storm overhead and skies remained clear
- Lifeguards performed CPR before Rosencranz was transported to AdventHealth, but he died from his injuries the following day
- This marks Florida’s first lightning fatality of 2025
Tragic Lightning Strike During Honeymoon Celebration
What began as a joyous honeymoon celebration quickly turned into an unimaginable tragedy when Jake A. Rosencranz, 29, of Colorado was struck by lightning while enjoying the waters of New Smyrna Beach in Florida. The incident occurred near 27th Avenue Beach where Rosencranz was wading in ankle-deep water when he was suddenly hit by a bolt of lightning. According to officials, there were no warning signs of imminent danger as the fatal strike came from a storm that was located several miles away from the beach.
Beach safety responders immediately rushed to Rosencranz’s aid, with lifeguards initiating CPR and other life-saving measures at the scene. Despite their quick response and emergency transport to AdventHealth in New Smyrna Beach, Rosencranz succumbed to his injuries the following day. No other individuals were injured during this tragic event, which officials have described as extremely rare. The incident has stunned both locals and visitors alike, who were enjoying what appeared to be a typical day at the popular Florida beach.
Deceptive Weather Conditions Contributed to Tragedy
One of the most alarming aspects of this tragedy was the deceptive weather conditions present at the time of the strike. Beach visitors had no obvious reason for concern as there were no visible storm clouds directly overhead. Tammy Malphurs, Director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue, explained the unusual circumstances surrounding the fatal lightning strike that claimed Rosencranz’s life during what should have been one of the happiest times in his life.
Colorado man dies after lightning strike on Florida beach during honeymoon, officials sayhttps://t.co/HBDBa0GA8m
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 24, 2025
“This was a very rare occurrence, there was not a storm immediately over us,” said Tammy Malphurs, Director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue.
Malphurs further clarified the unexpected nature of the strike, stating, “This lightning bolt came from a storm several miles away. So we still had blue skies over us.” Beach officials had not closed the beach because there were no immediate weather threats visible. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of lightning, which can strike from storms that appear distant or even invisible to beachgoers. Safety experts emphasize that lightning can travel significant distances from its originating storm.
Florida’s First Lightning Fatality of 2025
This heartbreaking incident marks Florida’s first lightning-related death of 2025. The state is known for having one of the highest rates of lightning strikes in the nation, earning parts of central Florida the nickname “Lightning Alley.” Each year, Florida typically records several lightning-related fatalities and injuries, particularly during the summer months when thunderstorm activity peaks. Rosencranz’s death is an especially tragic reminder of these dangers, occurring during what should have been one of the most joyful periods of his life.
“It’s one of those rare and just tragic things,” said Tammy Malphurs, Director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue.
Safety officials are using this unfortunate incident to remind visitors and residents alike about the dangers of lightning at beaches. Water and open areas significantly increase the risk of lightning strikes. Experts advise that at the first sign of approaching storms or when hearing thunder, even from a distance, people should immediately seek proper shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle. The common saying “when thunder roars, go indoors” remains the simplest and most effective safety guideline to follow when enjoying beach activities during Florida’s storm season.
