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SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Flo. - A antheral kayaking connected a stream successful Santa Rosa County, Florida, died aft being struck by lightning and falling into the river.
On Sunday afternoon, 18-year-old Michael Vargas and his begetter were kayaking connected the Blackwater River erstwhile Vargas was struck by lightning and fell disconnected his kayak.
Aerial presumption of Blackwater River successful Milton, Florida astatine sunrise
(George Dodd / Getty Images)
Vargas' dada and Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation employees witnessed the incident, and instantly began searching for him successful the water.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was notified of Vargas' disappearance conscionable earlier 12:30 p.m., and was dispatched to assistance with the hunt on with Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Daphne Search and Rescue.
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FWC said Vargas was recovered dormant successful the water.
A scenic presumption of the Blackwater River Swing Bridge spanning the Blackwater River successful Milton, Florida, connected a partially cloudy day.
(Rob Perlis / Getty Images)
"The FWC extends its deepest sympathies to the household and loved ones of Michael Aiden Vargas during this hard time," Florida FWC said successful a statement.
This is the 2nd reported lightning decease successful the U.S. successful 2026, according to the National Lightning Safety Council.
2026 lightning fatalities arsenic of June 1.
(National Lightning Safety Council / FOX Weather)
A 41-year-old antheral died successful April portion walking done a parking batch successful Pewaukee, Wisconsin, the National Lightning Safety Council reported.
On average, since 2016, 17 radical dice each twelvemonth from lightning strikes.
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