When a sudden thunderstorm rolled in off the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, a recreational outing turned fatal for Utah native Steve Matheson. Matheson, a father of two who was in Florida for a professional conference, was killed after a bolt of lightning struck his jet ski while he and his childhood best friend, David Cole, were attempting to return to shore near Egmont Key.
Storm Develops Quickly
According to Cole, the day began sunny and calm. The two friends launched their jet skis from the waters surrounding Egmont Key, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. “We were enjoying the water when the sky changed in an instant,” Cole said. “We didn’t want to stay out on the island, so we headed back toward the mainland.”
As they approached Shell Key, the storm intensified. The pair decided to press on, hoping to beat the worsening conditions. “He didn’t feel comfortable staying on the island,” Cole recalled Matheson saying. “Let’s just try to beat the storm.”
Lightning Strike
While Matheson was riding roughly 15 to 20 yards ahead of Cole, a massive bolt of lightning struck the water and hit his jet ski directly. “I saw a huge lightning bolt come from the top and hit the water and hit him,” Cole described. “He stayed upright for three seconds after the strike, then went limp and fell straight into the water face‑first.”
Cole immediately stayed with Matheson in the water, flagging down a passing boat captain and his wife for assistance. Despite their swift response, Matheson did not survive the impact.
Family and Community Mourning
Matheson’s death has left a profound void in his family. “His kids were waiting for him. They didn’t know he passed away until that morning,” Cole said, his voice breaking. “I’m heart‑broken that they have lost their dad and husband.”
The two friends had been inseparable since they were four years old, sharing sports, school activities, and later, Matheson’s football career at Brigham Young University. “We’re best friends since we were four years old,” Cole said. “I never imagined something like this could happen to him.”
Looking Forward
In the wake of the tragedy, Cole expressed a desire to honor Matheson’s memory and support his family. He plans to assist with any arrangements and ensure that Matheson’s children are cared for moving forward.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature, especially in coastal regions where sudden storms can develop rapidly. Local authorities encourage water‑sport enthusiasts to monitor weather updates closely and seek shelter at the first sign of severe weather.
Safety Reminder
Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection advises that during thunderstorms, all watercraft should be brought to shore immediately. Lightning can travel through water and pose a lethal risk to anyone on or near the surface. The department recommends checking the National Weather Service alerts before heading out and having a clear plan for rapid evacuation if conditions deteriorate.
Friends, family, and community members are encouraged to share their condolences and support for Matheson’s loved ones during this difficult time.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
