Writer: Nicholas Karsen || Reporter: Haley Jacobs
•7/3/2026

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District is responding to a fatal lightning strike on Fort Myers Beach.
WINK News contacted Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District Chief Scott Wirth, who confirmed three people were transported for various injuries on the 6600 block of Estero. One person was killed in the lightning strike.
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.
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.
WINK News reporter Haley Jacobs is at the scene to gather information and provide updates as they become available.
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."
Stay tuned to WINKNews.com, WINK News App, streaming, and on air for any new developments on this story.