Colorado Man Dies After New Smyrna Beach Lightning Strike

A man from Colorado was killed over the weekend after being struck by lightning in New Smyrna Beach, local officials have confirmed. 29-year-old Jake Rosencranz was honeymooning at the beach when he was tragically hit by a bolt of lightning. THe incident occurred on Friday, when stormy conditions rolled in to coastal Volusia County. Three people were reported to have been struck by lightning on the same day. Rosencranz in particular was said to have been in shallow water at the beach when the impact occurred. Emergency response personnel were on the scene and attempted to administer life-saving care, but were unsuccessful in Rosencranz’s case. Volusia County Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs confirmed Rosencranz’s death this week. In comments given to WESH 2 News she said  that the storm in question was miles from the beach, meaning that the likelihood of a lightning strike close to shore should’ve been low. “So sorry for the tragic loss of a young man here on a delayed honeymoon with his wife,” said Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood on social media. “At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her for years to come. Sending sincere condolences to this young woman on behalf of all of us in Volusia County who were hoping against hope that the diligent efforts of our lifeguards, EMS team and ER staff would bring him back to her.”