Tragic Honeymoon Turns to Heartbreak: 29-Year-Old Colorado Man Killed by Lightning Strike on New Smyrna Beach
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL — What was meant to be a joyful celebration of love and new beginnings has ended in unthinkable tragedy. A 29-year-old man from Colorado, visiting Florida on his honeymoon with his new wife, was killed by a lightning strike while standing in ankle-deep water at New Smyrna Beach. The sudden and rare event has left a young bride devastated, a family in mourning, and beachgoers across the state shaken by the dangers of what’s known as a “bolt from the blue.”
The couple had just begun what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip following their wedding — a honeymoon filled with sun, laughter, and dreams for the future. But in a heartbreaking twist of fate, joy turned to grief in an instant.
According to local authorities and weather officials, the lightning strike occurred during the afternoon hours when beach conditions appeared relatively calm and partly sunny. The primary storm system was located 6 to 8 miles inland, and at the time, the beach did not appear to be under immediate threat. The man, whose identity has not yet been released out of respect for the family, was wading near the shore when the bolt struck from the seemingly clear sky.
This type of strike, often referred to by meteorologists as a “bolt from the blue,” is both extremely rare and incredibly dangerous. These lightning bolts originate from the rear of a thunderstorm and can travel miles through clear air before striking the ground — far from the visible heart of the storm. Despite the lack of immediate overhead clouds, the threat of lightning was very real, especially as distant thunder was likely audible, even if only faintly.
Witnesses and emergency responders say the strike happened without warning. CPR was reportedly administered on the beach, but tragically, the man could not be revived. His new wife, who had been nearby, is said to be physically unharmed but emotionally shattered. The local community has rallied in quiet support, and grief counselors have been made available to assist those who witnessed the tragedy.
The National Weather Service confirmed that two other individuals — both golfers located farther inland under the same storm system — also sustained indirect lightning strikes, though they did not require medical treatment. These incidents underscore the unpredictable and wide-reaching danger lightning can pose, even in seemingly benign conditions.
This deeply saddening event serves as a sobering reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from a storm — even when skies are mostly clear and the sun is shining. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. It’s not enough to wait until it starts raining or until dark clouds appear overhead. Danger can arrive silently and from a distance.
Safety Reminder:
- If you see building clouds, or hear distant thunder, take action immediately.
- Seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or a metal-topped vehicle — not under trees or umbrellas.
- Avoid open spaces like beaches, golf courses, and parking lots during potential lightning activity.
- Remember the rule: If you hear it roar, head indoors.
As the community in New Smyrna Beach mourns this heartbreaking loss, our thoughts are with the man’s wife, his family, and all who loved him. What was meant to be the beginning of a beautiful chapter has ended in unimaginable sorrow, leaving behind a stark and powerful message about the fragility of life and the hidden forces of nature.
This tragedy will not be forgotten. May this young man’s memory serve as both a call to awareness and a symbol of love that, though tragically cut short, will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.
Tragic Honeymoon Turns to Heartbreak: 29-Year-Old Colorado Man Killed by Lightning Strike on New Smyrna Beach
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL — What was meant to be a joyful celebration of love and new beginnings has ended in unthinkable tragedy. A 29-year-old man from Colorado, visiting Florida on his honeymoon with his new wife, was killed by a lightning strike while standing in ankle-deep water at New Smyrna Beach. The sudden and rare event has left a young bride devastated, a family in mourning, and beachgoers across the state shaken by the dangers of what’s known as a “bolt from the blue.”
The couple had just begun what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip following their wedding — a honeymoon filled with sun, laughter, and dreams for the future. But in a heartbreaking twist of fate, joy turned to grief in an instant.
According to local authorities and weather officials, the lightning strike occurred during the afternoon hours when beach conditions appeared relatively calm and partly sunny. The primary storm system was located 6 to 8 miles inland, and at the time, the beach did not appear to be under immediate threat. The man, whose identity has not yet been released out of respect for the family, was wading near the shore when the bolt struck from the seemingly clear sky.
This type of strike, often referred to by meteorologists as a “bolt from the blue,” is both extremely rare and incredibly dangerous. These lightning bolts originate from the rear of a thunderstorm and can travel miles through clear air before striking the ground — far from the visible heart of the storm. Despite the lack of immediate overhead clouds, the threat of lightning was very real, especially as distant thunder was likely audible, even if only faintly.
Witnesses and emergency responders say the strike happened without warning. CPR was reportedly administered on the beach, but tragically, the man could not be revived. His new wife, who had been nearby, is said to be physically unharmed but emotionally shattered. The local community has rallied in quiet support, and grief counselors have been made available to assist those who witnessed the tragedy.
The National Weather Service confirmed that two other individuals — both golfers located farther inland under the same storm system — also sustained indirect lightning strikes, though they did not require medical treatment. These incidents underscore the unpredictable and wide-reaching danger lightning can pose, even in seemingly benign conditions.
This deeply saddening event serves as a sobering reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from a storm — even when skies are mostly clear and the sun is shining. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. It’s not enough to wait until it starts raining or until dark clouds appear overhead. Danger can arrive silently and from a distance.
Safety Reminder:
- If you see building clouds, or hear distant thunder, take action immediately.
- Seek shelter in a fully enclosed building or a metal-topped vehicle — not under trees or umbrellas.
- Avoid open spaces like beaches, golf courses, and parking lots during potential lightning activity.
- Remember the rule: If you hear it roar, head indoors.
As the community in New Smyrna Beach mourns this heartbreaking loss, our thoughts are with the man’s wife, his family, and all who loved him. What was meant to be the beginning of a beautiful chapter has ended in unimaginable sorrow, leaving behind a stark and powerful message about the fragility of life and the hidden forces of nature.
This tragedy will not be forgotten. May this young man’s memory serve as both a call to awareness and a symbol of love that, though tragically cut short, will endure in the hearts of all who knew him.