Steve Matheson, a 41-year-old father of four, died after being struck by lightning on Saturday evening while jet skiing off the coast of Fort De Soto Park in Florida. Matheson had stopped to assist a boater who was experiencing difficulties when the incident occurred.
Matheson and a friend had checked the weather before going out on the water, and conditions initially appeared favorable. However, the weather rapidly changed, and as they began returning to shore, they encountered the boater in distress. Matheson, described by his cousin Marianne Shuman as someone who was always willing to help others, stopped to offer assistance. He was struck by lightning shortly thereafter.
He was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Matheson, originally from Utah, had been in Florida for a work conference and had extended his stay by an extra day to spend time with a friend.
Matheson was married to his wife, Abbie, and together they had four children: three sons and a daughter, aged nine, seven, four, and three. A GoFundMe campaign established to assist his family with funeral expenses and the cost of transporting his body back to Utah described Matheson as a devoted husband and loving father, whose family was his greatest joy.
According to the GoFundMe page, Matheson was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith played a significant role in his life. The fundraising effort had garnered nearly $85,000 by Tuesday night.
Friends and family shared tributes on social media following the news of his death. Mitch Faas, a friend, wrote on Facebook that Matheson had a unique ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued, and that he was dependable and generous with his time. Matheson's stepfather, Steve Goldstein, and his mother, Jennifer, traveled to Utah to be with his immediate family. His brother, Michael, expressed the shock and sadness of the family, stating that Matheson had gone to meet their father in heaven.