What was supposed to be a joyful beach day turned tragic in an instant. A 29-year-old man visiting Florida on his honeymoon was killed Thursday after being struck by lightning while standing in shallow water along New Smyrna Beach.
Jake Rosencranz of Colorado had been walking through ankle-deep surf just after noon with his wife when the bolt hit. The skies were mostly clear, and the nearest thunderstorm was miles offshore. Witnesses say there was no warning—just a sudden crack, and then chaos.
“It was so sudden. The sky didn’t even look dangerous,” one beachgoer told local news. “He just collapsed.”
Jake was struck directly. A nearby registered nurse rushed to help, starting CPR almost immediately, while lifeguards and paramedics arrived within minutes. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Sadly, officials confirmed he passed away early Friday morning.
A Blue-Sky Strike That No One Saw Coming
Lightning usually arrives with thunderheads and stormy skies. But what happened Thursday is known as a “blue-sky” strike—lightning that leaps out from a storm far away, sometimes as much as 10 to 20 miles.
The sun was still shining over parts of Volusia County when the strike occurred.
“These are rare, but they happen more than people realize,” said a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “It doesn’t have to be raining on top of you to be dangerous.”
Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S., with more than a million strikes every year. New Smyrna Beach and nearby coastal towns are no strangers to afternoon thunderstorms, but this one caught everyone off guard.
A Young Life Cut Short
Jake and his wife had delayed their honeymoon, waiting for the right time to celebrate. It’s a cruel twist of fate that their long-awaited trip ended this way.
“He was just starting his life,” said Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood. “He should’ve had 50 more anniversaries.”
Friends back home described Jake as kind, adventurous, and full of life. His wife, too stunned to speak at the scene, was consoled by bystanders and responders as emergency crews worked to save him.
Two Others Struck Nearby
Shortly after the beach strike, two men playing golf in the same region were also hit by lightning. Both survived and were treated on-site for minor injuries. Officials say the strike that killed Jake was part of a larger lightning cluster associated with storms building offshore.
“That was a very active system,” said Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs. “Just because the rain’s not hitting you doesn’t mean you’re safe.”
When to Get Off the Beach
Lightning safety experts say the best rule is simple: if you can hear thunder, you’re already at risk. Even distant rumbles are a sign that lightning could be nearby.
And with today’s weather apps and alerts, there’s no excuse not to check the forecast.
“It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also a reminder,” Malphurs added. “Don’t wait for dark clouds. When thunder roars, go indoors.”
Mourning a Stranger, Learning a Lesson
By Friday morning, flowers and handwritten notes appeared at the beach entrance. One note read, “You didn’t deserve this. We’ll remember you.”
Jake’s family has not released a public statement yet, but local officials and volunteers who tried to save him say they hope people learn something from the tragedy.
“He was in love, on his honeymoon, doing nothing wrong,” one lifeguard said. “But lightning doesn’t care.”
The Bigger Picture: Why Florida Is So Dangerous for Lightning
Florida’s flat terrain, warm temperatures, and humid afternoons make it ideal for thunderstorm development. On average, the state leads the nation in both lightning strikes and lightning deaths.
Experts urge residents and visitors alike to take the risk seriously—especially during summer afternoons when conditions change fast.
A reminder posted at the beach now reads: “Enjoy the water—but watch the sky.”
