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Victim ID'd in deadly lightning strike at Florida beach that killed 1, hurt 3 others
By Stephanie Weaver at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX)
· July 9, 2026
· 1 min read
A man died after being struck by lightning while in the water at Fort Myers Beach, according to authorities. The incident also sent three family members to the hospital.
Key takeaway The incident also sent three family members to the hospital.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
While the deadly lightning strike occurred at a Florida beach, the incident has implications for Minneapolis residents who frequently travel to such destinations. Many locals from the Twin Cities area visit beaches in other states, and this tragedy can inform their safety precautions when engaging in water activities. The fact that the victim was in the water when struck by lightning underscores the need for beachgoers to be aware of weather conditions and follow safety guidelines, such as monitoring weather forecasts and seeking shelter in case of thunderstorms. As Minneapolis residents plan their summer vacations, they should take note of the risks associated with lightning strikes and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. This incident can also prompt local authorities to review and emphasize lightning safety guidelines for travelers from the Minneapolis area.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A man died after being struck by lightning while in the water at Fort Myers Beach, according to authorities. The incident also sent three family members to the hospital.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stephanie Weaver at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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