Man killed by direct lightning strike on Fort Myers Beach, three transported with various injuries

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District is responding to a fatal lightning strike where one man was killed directly, along with three people who received various injuries while swimming in the Gulf.

On Friday at around 3 p.m., the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District responded to the incident located on the 6600 block of Estero. According to the fire district, the four people involved were swimming in the Gulf when the lightning strike occurred. 

According to a press statement from the Fort Myers Beach Control District, crews were dispatched and are still on the scene of a lightning strike involving multiple patients. 

Upon arrival, crews found one individual unresponsive and two others who had to be transported. 

A bystander had deployed an AED and was performing CPR upon our arrival, but due to the injuries sustained, efforts were not successful. Please avoid the area until it is clear.

WINK News reporter Hunter Walterman spoke with Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth about his team's involvement regarding this deadly lightning strike. 

During their interview, Wirth confirmed that the male who died from the lightning strike was deceased at the time of arrival. Three people were transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for their various injuries; their conditions remain unknown.

The man killed was struck directly by lightning, according to Wirth. No further information regarding the man's identity or age has been released. 

Bystanders on the beach pulled people out of the water, attempted to perform lifesaving measures, including chest compressions and an AED on the person who died. 

Provided below is their entire interview. 

The Town of Fort Myers Beach released a statement regarding the deadly lightning strike, extending its thoughts and prayers to the families affected.

Reporter Haley Jacobs is on scene interviewing witnesses of the lightning strike. 

Reporter Miyoshi Price is at the trauma center where one of the victims has been transported to. It remains unclear where the other two victims have been transported to. 

The Lee County Sheriff's Office released a statement on X regarding the lightning strike, saying:

"LCSO is on scene at the 6500 blk of Estero Blvd. reference a lightning strike. At this time, it appears 4 subjects are involved and at least 3 were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation."

The fire district ended its statement by warning residents and visitors to stay aware of the weather and environment, and to immediately seek shelter when they hear thunder or see lightning.

This scene remains active. 

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