MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A 19-year-old was killed by a lightning strike Tuesday, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say the man was struck just before 3 p.m. while he was working on a roof at a home along Skip Jack Loop in Bradenton.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
READ: What is the Nipah Virus and should you be concerned about it?
The United States now has 9 known #lightning fatalities this year after a lifeguard was killed and 7 others injured on a #NJwx beach last night. It's almost the end of lightning season, but it's important to pay attention to the skies whenever you're outside! #LightningSafety pic.twitter.com/Qe2x0VexpA
— Lightning Safety Council (@LtgSafeCouncil) August 31, 2021
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
It was the tenth known lightning death in the United States this year, and the third in Florida according to the Lightning Safety Council.
The LSC says roofing is is one the leading contributors to lightning deaths in the U.S.
Of the 18 roofing-related deaths in the U.S. since 2006, 10 happened in Florida.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
