A Colorado man’s dream honeymoon in Florida turned into tragedy when a lightning bolt from a distant storm struck him dead despite clear blue skies overhead at New Smyrna Beach.
Key Takeaways
- Jake A. Rosencranz, 29, was struck by lightning while standing in ankle-deep water at New Smyrna Beach’s 27th Avenue Beach during his honeymoon
- The fatal lightning strike came from a storm miles away, with clear skies still visible at the beach location
- Despite immediate CPR efforts by lifeguards and transportation to AdventHealth, Rosencranz died from his injuries the following morning
- This marks Florida’s first lightning fatality of 2025, highlighting the often-overlooked danger of lightning at beaches even when storms appear distant
- No other individuals were injured in the incident
Tragic Honeymoon Cut Short
Jake A. Rosencranz, a 29-year-old Colorado resident, was fatally struck by lightning while honeymooning at New Smyrna Beach in Florida. The incident occurred at the 27th Avenue Beach area while Rosencranz was standing in ankle-deep water. What should have been a celebration of new beginnings instead became a devastating tragedy, highlighting the unpredictable dangers that can strike even during seemingly perfect weather conditions. Beach safety officials confirmed that no other individuals were injured during this isolated incident that claimed the young man’s life.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts initiated by beach lifeguards who performed CPR at the scene, Rosencranz’s condition proved critical. He was swiftly transported to AdventHealth in New Smyrna Beach for emergency medical treatment. Tragically, medical interventions were unsuccessful, and Rosencranz succumbed to his injuries Saturday morning, according to official reports. This marks Florida’s first lightning-related fatality of 2025, a sobering reminder of nature’s deadly potential even in paradise settings.
Deceptively Dangerous Weather Conditions
What makes this tragedy particularly disturbing is that the lightning strike occurred without typical warning signs of danger. Beach officials had not closed the area because there was no immediate storm overhead, making the fatal bolt all the more unexpected. “This was a very rare occurrence, there was not a storm immediately over us,” said Tammy Malphurs, Director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue. This lightning bolt came from a storm several miles away. So we still had blue skies over us.
Colorado man dies after lightning strike on Florida beach during honeymoon, officials sayhttps://t.co/HBDBa0GA8m
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 24, 2025
“It’s one of those rare and just tragic things,” said Tammy Malphurs, Director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue.
The phenomenon known as “bolt from the blue” can deliver lightning strikes up to 10 miles away from storm centers, making them particularly dangerous as they strike without the obvious warning signs of overhead storms. This creates a false sense of security for beachgoers who may not realize they remain within striking distance of electrical charges from distant weather systems. Safety experts emphasize that if thunder can be heard, even faintly, lightning danger exists regardless of visible overhead conditions.
Beach Safety Warnings Renewed
This tragic incident has prompted renewed warnings about beach safety during storm season. Beaches remain among the most dangerous places during electrical storms due to their flat, open exposure and the conductivity of saltwater. Experts advise that at the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning, beachgoers should immediately seek proper shelter in enclosed buildings or vehicles, not under beach umbrellas or open structures. The general safety guideline is to wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning to exposed areas.
President Trump’s administration has previously supported enhanced weather warning systems across coastal regions, though funding for such programs remains under debate in Congress. This tragic death underscores the need for continued vigilance and education about natural hazards at America’s beaches. With Florida leading the nation in lightning-related fatalities over recent decades, visitors and residents alike are reminded that scenic beauty often comes with hidden dangers that demand respect and awareness.
