NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — A young Colorado man, Jake A. Rosencranz, has been tragically identified as the victim of a fatal lightning strike that occurred while he was honeymooning with his wife along Florida’s eastern shoreline. He was 29 years old.
The incident happened shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, as Rosencranz stood in ankle-deep water at New Smyrna Beach, according to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue spokesperson Tamra Malphurs. A bolt of lightning struck the area suddenly, leaving Rosencranz critically injured. Emergency responders on scene immediately began CPR and life-saving efforts, but he could not be revived. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“This is Florida’s first lightning-related fatality of the year,” Malphurs confirmed. “Our hearts are with his family during this unimaginable loss.”
The tragedy struck just days after Rosencranz had married the love of his life. He and his wife had traveled to Florida to celebrate their honeymoon—what was meant to be the beginning of their new life together. According to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who shared a public statement on Facebook, the couple was enjoying a day at the beach when the unthinkable occurred.
“They were visiting our beaches to celebrate their marriage,” Sheriff Chitwood wrote. “In one terrifying second, everything changed. My deepest condolences go out to this family. I also want to thank everyone who worked so quickly to render aid and give him a fighting chance.”
Two other individuals were reportedly injured during the lightning strike but are expected to recover.
Back in Colorado and across social media, tributes have poured in for Jake Rosencranz. Friends and family described him as a warm-hearted, joyful, and deeply kind individual with a love for the outdoors and a zest for life. Photos shared online show Jake smiling with his new wife, moments that now serve as bittersweet memories of a life filled with love and promise.
“This wasn’t just a tragic accident,” one friend wrote. “It was the loss of someone who made the world better just by being in it.”
Florida is known for having one of the highest rates of lightning strikes in the U.S., particularly during the summer months. Safety officials continue to urge beachgoers to take precautions when thunderclouds approach, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such storms.
As Jake’s family and new bride grieve this unimaginable loss, the community—both in Florida and in Colorado—has come together to mourn alongside them. Plans for a memorial and ways to support the Rosencranz family are expected to be announced in the coming days.