Newlywed Dies in Tragic Lightning Strike During Honeymoon in Florida

A Colorado man has tragically died after being struck by lightning while honeymooning in Florida, just days after his wedding.

Jake Rosencranz, 29, was visiting New Smyrna Beach with his wife, Leah, on Friday, June 20, when he was struck during a sudden coastal storm. The couple had been enjoying a day at the beach when Jake waded into ankle-deep water, unaware of the danger approaching from inland.

According to FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar, the storm produced 170 lightning strikes as it moved toward the coast around 12:30 p.m.. One of those strikes fatally hit Jake while he was standing in shallow water.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the odds of being struck by lightning in the U.S. are less than one in a million. While roughly 90% of lightning strike victims survive, Jake sadly succumbed to his injuries the following day, on June 21.

Tamra Malphurs, Director of Volusia County Beach Safety, confirmed the incident and the immediate emergency response.

“A 29-year-old man from Colorado was struck by lightning shortly before 12:30 PM while standing in ankle-deep water in New Smyrna Beach. CPR was immediately initiated, and we performed life-saving measures. He was transported from the scene unresponsive, and he sadly lost his life from the injuries he sustained,” she told MailOnline.

Tributes have since poured in for Jake, with Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood leading the condolences.

Jake Rosencranz pictured with his wife, Leah (GoFundMe)

“So sorry for the tragic loss of a young man here on a delayed honeymoon with his wife,” Chitwood shared on Facebook. “At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her for years to come.”

“Sending sincere condolences to this young woman on behalf of all of us in Volusia County who were hoping against hope that the diligent efforts of our lifeguards, EMS team, and ER staff would bring him back to her,” he added.

A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Jake’s loved ones has raised over $23,000 as of the time of writing.

According to the New Smyrna Beach Fire Department, two additional individuals were struck by lightning on the same day at the Venetian Bay golf course, though neither required hospitalization, PEOPLE reports.

Jake’s sudden and rare death has shocked the local community and raised renewed awareness about the dangers of lightning, even during what seems like a clear beach day.