Lightning deaths rise in 2025: How this year compares to the past

Lightning strike deaths increased in 2025 as 19 people were killed across the U.S.

Men aged 20-39 were the most likely to be killed by lightning, according to the National Weather Service. Only three women were killed by lightning this year.

The first two deaths were in April. Both men, aged 39 and 68, were fishing on boats when they were hit. It happened in North Carolina and Mississippi. Overall, incidents while fishing killed five people.

Two people were killed while playing golf, while others were playing soccer, on the beach or hunting.

The youngest people killed were an 18-year-old and 19-year-old killed while fishing in Georgia in July.

None of the deaths occurred in Massachusetts. However, one Massachusetts man, Jake Rosencranz, 29, of Weston, died June 21 while standing on a Florida beach celebrating his honeymoon.

Although it’s possible, it’s rare for lightning strike deaths to occur in October, November and December. Overall, more than 70% of the lightning deaths occur in the months of June, July and August, with Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays having slightly more deaths than other days of the week.

The number of fatalities increased from the past two years.

In 2024, there were 13 deaths. And in 2023, there were 14 deaths due to lightning.

However, in 2022, there were also 19 deaths. And from 2009-2018, the U.S. averaged 27 lightning fatalities per year.

Not everyone who is struck by lightning is killed. About 90% of people struck by lightning are left with various degrees of disability, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather service estimates your odds of being struck of lightning once during your life is 1 in 15,300.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests going inside or seeking shelter if you hear thunder, even if skies are blue. It also suggests watching for distant lightning and listening for distant thunder.