Florida Waters Flash—Dad Doesn’t Surface

A family beach day turned tragic when a Utah father riding a jet ski near Fort De Soto was killed by a lightning strike, according to deputies.

Story Highlights

Deputies said a jet skier near Fort De Soto was struck by lightning around 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
The victim was identified as Steve Matheson of Utah and later died at a local hospital.
Reports said he was riding a personal watercraft near Fort De Soto Park when the storm hit.
Lightning safety trackers counted the death in Florida’s 2026 totals and the national count.

Deputies Respond To Lightning Strike Near Fort De Soto

Pinellas County deputies responded near Fort De Soto around 6:30 p.m. Saturday after a report that a jet skier was struck by lightning, according to local reporting that cited the sheriff’s office. First responders reached the scene and began emergency care. Crews transported the victim to a nearby hospital. Authorities did not release a detailed incident report at the time. The basic account centered on a lightning strike during evening storms over the water near the popular park.

News outlets identified the victim as Steve Matheson of Utah. Tampa Bay Times reported he was 41 and from Saratoga Springs. He was riding a personal watercraft when the strike occurred, deputies said. WFLA reported that Matheson was taken to a hospital in life-threatening condition and later pronounced dead. A fundraiser page described him as a married father of four, sharing family details and the date of the tragedy for friends and supporters.

Storm Activity And Lightning Context For Florida Waters

AccuWeather reported heavy lightning near Fort De Soto during the key window, including hundreds of flashes between 6:00 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., with a nearby strike at 6:21 p.m.. The National Lightning Safety Council’s tracking placed this case within Florida’s 2026 fatality count and the larger United States total noted by local coverage. Florida regularly leads the nation in lightning deaths due to frequent storms and outdoor recreation on beaches, trails, and open water.

Past research shows Florida’s long record with lightning fatalities and injuries, with outdoor activities making people more exposed. Studies note men make up most lightning victims, often while fishing, boating, golfing, or working outside. That pattern fits this case’s setting on open water near a coastal park. Weather can change fast on the Gulf coast, and storms can form or move in quickly late in the day during the warm season.

What We Know And Practical Safety Takeaways

Local outlets reported consistent core facts: deputies answered the call near Fort De Soto, identified Steve Matheson as the victim, and said he died after a lightning strike while riding a personal watercraft. A GoFundMe page echoed key personal details about his family and travel to Florida. Some reports varied on age and the exact spot description, but all placed the strike in the Fort De Soto area during evening storms. Authorities had not released deeper incident records in early coverage.

🚨 A selfless Utah dad died doing what he always did: helping people.

Steve Matheson, 47, was jet skiing off Fort De Soto, Florida, on Saturday when he and a friend spotted a broken down boat.

They stopped to help the stranded boaters as a storm rolled in.

Lightning struck… pic.twitter.com/OArPiW2YcD

— Gina Beana Fofina (@Ginasassyass) September 1, 2026

Lightning safety experts urge simple steps that save lives. When thunder roars, go indoors. Leave the water and head for a sturdy building or a hard-top vehicle. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outside. Avoid open areas, metal objects, and tall isolated structures. Check hourly forecasts and live radar before boating or jet skiing. In Florida’s storm season, a clear sky can turn dangerous fast, especially in late afternoon and early evening.