{"id":6860,"date":"2026-07-09T20:01:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-09T20:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/houstonmovingjournal.com\/?p=6860"},"modified":"2026-07-09T20:01:45","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T20:01:45","slug":"victim-idd-in-deadly-lightning-strike-at-florida-beach-that-killed-1-hurt-3-others","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/houstonmovingjournal.com\/?p=6860","title":{"rendered":"Victim ID’d in deadly lightning strike at Florida beach that killed 1, hurt 3 others"},"content":{"rendered":"

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.<\/strong> – <\/span>A 51-year-old man died last week after being struck by lightning while in the water at Fort Myers Beach, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.<\/p>

Read more West Virginia town fires entire police force after chief resigns, sergeant alleges evidence room break-in<\/a><\/p>

Florida lightning strike kills 1, injuries 3 others<\/h2>

Big picture view:<\/p>

<\/div>

Deputies responded at approximately 2:20 p.m. on July 3 to the 6500 block of Estero Boulevard following reports of a man who had been struck by lightning while in the water.<\/p>

Authorities said the victim, identified as Viktar Kiryk, was in the water with three family members when the incident occurred.<\/p>

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n

Lightning strikes the ground as a violent thunder storm approaches the area August 16, 2004 in Ft. Myers, Florida. (Credit: Mark Wilson\/Getty Images)<\/span> <\/p> <\/div><\/div>

Bystanders and first responders immediately began lifesaving efforts, but Kiryk was pronounced dead at the scene.<\/p>

The three family members who were with Kiryk were transported to a local hospital for evaluation. Officials said they were in stable condition.<\/p>

Read more Wally Funk, North Texas astronaut and aviation pioneer, dies at 87<\/a><\/p>

What they’re saying:<\/p>

In a statement, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno extended his condolences to the Kiryk family and thanked the bystanders and emergency personnel who responded to the incident.<\/p>

EARLIER: <\/strong>Lightning strike kills 1, hurts 3 in Fort Myers Beach, officials say<\/strong><\/p>

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Kiryk family during this unimaginable time,” he said on X on July 4. “We are also grateful to the bystanders and first responders who rushed in to help without hesitation.”<\/p>

He added, “This tragic incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder that Florida\u2019s summer storms can develop rapidly. If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water immediately and seek safe shelter.”<\/p>

RELATED: <\/strong>Here are the new U.S. lightning capitals based on 2024 data<\/strong><\/p>

Whether you call Southwest Florida home, are visiting, or are simply passing through, stay weather-aware, prioritize your safety, and look out for one another.<\/p>

Read more Millions of eye drops recalled nationwide due to potential foreign substance<\/a><\/p> <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A man died after being struck by lightning while in the water at Fort Myers Beach, according to authorities. 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