FORT MYERS BEACH — One person died and three others were injured after a lightning strike hit a group of beachgoers on Fort Myers Beach, Florida, on Friday, July 7, 2023. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno stated that emergency crews responded to the 6500 block of Estero Boulevard.

Marceno stated that it appeared four people had been struck by lightning. The Fort Myers Beach Fire District said responders found one individual unresponsive upon arrival. A bystander had initiated CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) on the unresponsive individual before emergency personnel arrived. This individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation, according to officials. The Lee County Sheriff's Office posted on X: "LCSO is on scene at the 6500 blk of Estero Blvd. reference a lightning strike. At this time, it appears 4 subjects are involved and at least 3 were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation." Gulf Coast Live Doppler Radar indicated one lightning bolt in the area of the strike around 2:18 p.m.

Fort Myers Beach had experienced scattered thunderstorms during the Fourth of July holiday period. Following the incident, emergency officials urged residents, visitors, and beachgoers to monitor weather conditions before going outside. They also recommended staying out of the water, seeking immediate shelter, and avoiding tall or isolated objects if lightning is observed. Emergency officials further advised staying indoors for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder and staying away from windows and doors during storms.