Steve Matheson, a 47-year-old father of four from Utah, died after being struck by lightning while attempting to assist stranded boaters off the coast of Florida. The incident occurred on Saturday evening near Fort de Soto.
Matheson was jet skiing with a friend when they noticed a boat in distress. Despite an approaching storm, Matheson stopped to offer assistance. According to his cousin, Marianne Matheson Shuman, the storm intensified rapidly, and lightning struck Matheson. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
His family described Matheson as a selfless individual who was always willing to help others. "Even in his last moments he was helping and serving strangers," Shuman stated. His friends recalled his consistent willingness to lend a hand, noting his strong faith and devotion to his family.
Matheson's death marks the 13th lightning strike fatality in the U.S. this year, according to the Lightning Safety Council. The incident occurred six days after a mother and her young daughter were killed by a lightning strike in Margate, Florida.