Osceola County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Matthew Eric Jenkins, a 20‑year‑old resident of Shelby Township, Michigan, died on September 9 after a lightning strike on a walking path behind a hotel in the 700 block of Bloom Street, Celebration, Michigan.
Incident details
According to a statement released by the sheriff’s office, deputies received an emergency call reporting an unresponsive man after a visible lightning strike in the area. Bystanders were already performing CPR when officers arrived on scene.
Emergency responders transported Jenkins to Celebration Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The cause of death is still pending a formal determination from the medical examiner.
Family notified
The sheriff’s office said next‑of‑kin contact has been made with Jenkins’ parents in Michigan. The department expressed its condolences to the family and emphasized the importance of community vigilance during severe weather.
Safety reminders
Lightning is a serious weather hazard, especially in open or elevated areas such as walking paths, parks, and parking lots. Local officials urge residents to seek shelter indoors at the first sign of thunder and to avoid open spaces, metal objects, and tall structures during storms.
Osceola County Emergency Management recommends the “30‑30 rule”: if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder exceeds 30 seconds, the storm is at least 6 miles away; however, it is safest to remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
Community response
Neighbors and local businesses expressed sorrow over the tragic loss. Several community members posted messages of support for the Jenkins family on social media, highlighting the close‑knit nature of the Celebration area.
The sheriff’s office reminded the public that bystanders who administer CPR can make a critical difference in emergency situations, and encouraged continued training in basic life‑saving techniques.
Ongoing investigation
While the immediate cause of death appears to be the lightning strike, the sheriff’s office will continue to work with the medical examiner’s office to confirm the official cause. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
