Jake Rosencranz Obituary, Death: Man fatally struck by lightning on Florida beach during honeymoon, sheriff reports

Jake Rosencranz Obituary, Death – A 29-year-old man from Colorado lost his life after being struck by lightning while on his honeymoon in Florida, according to local authorities. The incident occurred just before 12:30 p.m. on Friday while the man was standing in ankle-deep water along the shore in Volusia County. Volusia County Beach Safety officials confirmed the tragic event, noting that the man was on a delayed honeymoon with his wife when the lightning strike occurred.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed his condolences in a Facebook post, stating, “So sorry for the tragic loss of a young man here on a delayed honeymoon with his wife. 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.”

The victim was later identified by a WKMG reporter as Jake Rosencranz.

Local media described the incident as unusual due to the weather conditions at the time. The lightning strike occurred several miles away from the visible storm, which officials referred to as a “blue sky lightning strike.” These rare and dangerous events happen when a bolt of lightning travels far outside the core of a storm cloud. According to the National Weather Service, lightning can strike as far as 20 miles away from the leading edge of a storm.

In this case, WESH News confirmed that the lightning bolt that struck Rosencranz hit approximately four miles from the actual storm system. Witness Pepper Pyle, who was nearby at the time, told WESH, “It was clear blue sky, and the storm was like miles away from us,” emphasizing how unexpected and shocking the strike was.

Additionally, two other individuals in New Smyrna Beach experienced indirect lightning strikes on the same day while playing golf at the Venetian Bay Golf Course. The city reported that neither of the two people required hospitalization, and both escaped with minor or no injuries.

These events highlight the unpredictable and far-reaching danger of lightning, especially during Florida’s storm season. Officials continue to urge residents and visitors to take extra precautions when thunderstorms are in the area, even if the skies appear clear. Safety experts recommend seeking shelter as soon as thunder is heard, since lightning can travel long distances and strike even under seemingly sunny conditions.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s power and the importance of heeding weather warnings, even during what may appear to be a relaxing day at the beach.