Father of four killed by lightning while riding Jet Ski in Florida
- A father of four tragically died after being struck by lightning while riding a Jet Ski off the coast of Florida during a thunderstorm.
An evening on the water turned deadly Saturday when a father of four was struck by lightning while riding a Jet Ski off the coast of Florida.
According to authorities, Steve Matheson was on the water around 6:30 p.m. when lightning struck.
Pinellas County deputies responded to a water rescue, and Matheson was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Family of six smiling together outdoors in a forested mountain setting
He was later pronounced dead. Loved ones remember him as a devoted husband and loving father of four.
Just before the incident, the National Weather Service was tracking a line of strong thunderstorms moving through the Pinellas County area.
They reported storms moving northwest at about 15 mph that were capable of producing 50-to-55 mph wind gusts. Fort De Soto, where the strike occurred, was specifically listed among the locations affected.
A Special Marine Warning was also in effect for Tampa Bay and nearby coastal waters.
Florida's summer thunderstorms can develop and intensify quickly, making the combination of an open body of water and lightning especially dangerous.
Remember, if you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck. Take shelter immediately.
