FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. — One person has died and three others were injured after a lightning strike on Fort Myers Beach Friday afternoon, according to the Fort Myers Beach Fire Department.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the 6600 block of Estero Boulevard shortly before 3 p.m. following reports that multiple people had been struck by lightning.
When firefighters arrived, they found four victims. Witnesses had already begun lifesaving efforts, with one bystander using an automated external defibrillator (AED) while performing CPR on an unresponsive victim.
Despite the rapid response from bystanders and emergency personnel, the individual could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three additional victims were treated for injuries sustained in the lightning strike. Authorities have not yet released information about their conditions or identities.
The incident unfolded during a period of typical Southwest Florida summer thunderstorms, when lightning can develop rapidly even as beachgoers enjoy sunny conditions nearby.
Florida consistently ranks among the nation’s most lightning-prone states, and experts urge residents and visitors to leave beaches immediately when thunder is heard or lightning is seen. The phrase “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors”remains the National Weather Service’s key safety message.
The Fort Myers Beach Fire Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Additional information, including the victim’s identity, is expected to be released once next of kin have been notified.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.