Man Fatally Struck by Lightning While Riding Personal Watercraft Off Fort De Soto
A man riding a personal watercraft off the coast of Fort De Soto was struck and killed by lightning over the weekend, and his family is honoring his memory.
Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 31, 2026 — A man died after being struck by lightning while operating a personal watercraft near Fort De Soto over the weekend. The incident occurred off the coast of the popular Florida Pinellas County park.
Details surrounding the exact time and day of the weekend the lightning strike occurred were not immediately available. The man was riding a personal watercraft at the time of the incident, according to preliminary information.
Emergency services responded to the scene following the strike. The individual was pronounced deceased as a result of the lightning strike. The name of the deceased and further details about the circumstances were not provided.
Following the tragedy, the man’s family is reportedly in the process of honoring his memory. Specific plans or actions being taken by the family to commemorate him were not disclosed.
Fort De Soto Park is a well-known destination for recreational activities, including boating and beach visits. Weather advisories are often in place for the region, particularly during seasons prone to thunderstorms. Information regarding any specific weather warnings that may have been active at the time of the incident was not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Eden Hodges on www.wfla.com, see more information here.
