Nationwide — Santonio Catoe, a 39-year-old African American husband, father, and corrections officer from Maury, North Carolina, died after a lightning strike hit him whereas fishing. He tragically turned the primary U.S. lightning fatality of 2025.
The incident occurred round 9 p.m. on April 11 at North East Creek Park close to Jacksonville. Catoe was on a ship along with his son and others when the lightning struck, throwing him into the water. His group shortly pulled him again on board and tried to revive him, however he didn’t reply. He was taken to the hospital, the place medical doctors pronounced him useless.
In accordance with the New York Post, Catoe labored on the Jap Correctional Establishment in Maury, North Carolina. Earlier than becoming a member of the corrections division, he served within the U.S. Marine Corps. His funeral was held Tuesday, the place coworkers and family members honored his life.
Catoe is thought for his love of the outside. He’s survived by his spouse and 4 kids. A GoFundMe fundraiser was set as much as assist his household after the tragedy. It has to date raised almost $9,000.
The Nationwide Lightning Security Council says fishing has been the highest explanation for lightning deaths within the U.S. since 2006. The council explains that fishing is very dangerous as a result of it requires longer publicity to open areas earlier than reaching security.
In a separate incident, one other fisherman was lately killed by lightning in Mississippi. Every year, lightning strikes kill a mean of 20 folks throughout the nation.
