CELEBRATION, FLORIDA — The medical examiner has not yet released an official cause of death. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office notified Jenkins' parents in Michigan.

Jenkins had recently moved to Central Florida to participate in the Disney College Program. His father said in a podcast interview that his son had moved to Florida one week prior to the incident to begin the program. The Disney College Program is described as a paid internship in which college students work at Disney theme parks.

A Disney spokesperson said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Matthew. He had just begun his Disney College Program journey, and will always be remembered as part of our Disney community. Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time."

Why It Matters

Jenkins is the fourth person in Florida to die due to lightning in less than a month. This incident shows the ongoing risk of lightning strikes in the region, even when severe weather watches are not in effect.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10% of people struck by lightning die, and about 26 people are killed by lightning each year in the United States. The National Lightning Safety Council reported that 14 people have been killed by lightning in the United States in 2026.

Timeline

On September 8, 2026, Matthew Eric Jenkins, a 20-year-old from Michigan, was directly affected and died after being struck by lightning in Celebration, Florida. The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 6:25 p.m. The National Weather Service forecast widespread showers and thunderstorms with possible lightning for the area on Tuesday, but no Severe Thunderstorm Watch was in effect.

Jenkins collapsed on a walking path behind a hotel located in the 700 block of Bloom Street in Celebration. Bystanders performed CPR on Jenkins until first responders arrived. Jenkins was transported to Celebration Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

What's New

Additional reporting confirms that Matthew Eric Jenkins, a 20-year-old from Michigan, was directly affected and died after being struck by lightning in Celebration, Florida, on September 8, 2026. The official record of this event states that the medical examiner confirmed that Matthew Eric Jenkins was struck by lightning and died from his injuries.

His father stated that his son had moved to Florida one week prior to the incident to begin the Disney College Program. The Disney College Program is described as a paid internship in which college students work at Disney theme parks. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office notified Jenkins' parents in Michigan. A Disney spokesperson said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Matthew. He had just begun his Disney College Program journey, and will always be remembered as part of our Disney community. Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 10% of people struck by lightning die, and about 26 people are killed by lightning each year in the United States.

How Sources Differ

Sources differ on united states lightning statistics. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, 14 people have been killed by lightning in the United States in 2026.