A heartbreaking incident occurred on June 21, 2025, when 29-year-old Jake Rosencranz lost his life after being struck by lightning while vacationing with his wife Leah at New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The couple, originally from Colorado, had postponed their honeymoon and were finally enjoying their long-awaited trip when the tragedy struck.
According to Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue and verified by local news reports including FOX 35 Orlando and the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Jake was standing in ankle-deep water near 27th Avenue Beach when lightning hit during a rapidly developing weather system. Despite the absence of visible storm clouds at the time, meteorological data from FOX 35 Storm Tracker Radar confirmed over 170 lightning strikes in the vicinity around 12:30 p.m. local time.
A Sudden and Rare Occurrence
While lightning strikes are statistically rare, they can be deadly. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the odds of being struck by lightning in any given year are less than one in a million. However, outdoor activities, especially near water, increase vulnerability to such natural hazards.
Jake was reportedly the first lightning-related fatality in Florida in 2025, according to the National Weather Service. Lifeguards on duty immediately initiated CPR and other emergency interventions. Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Director Tammy Malphurs stated that the storm was several miles inland when the strike occurred, and lifeguards had not yet cleared the beach, as conditions had not indicated an immediate threat.
He was transported in critical condition to AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. Despite the efforts of emergency responders and medical personnel, he passed away the next day, June 21.
Remembering a Life of Adventure and Love
Jake Rosencranz was originally from Weston, Massachusetts, and had spent his adult life in Colorado, where he embraced an active lifestyle filled with hiking, skiing, biking, and boating. He met Leah during their high school years at Holderness School in New Hampshire. The two became inseparable and later built a life together in Frisco, Colorado, where they lived with their dog, Bonnie.
In July 2023, the couple married at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, a meaningful location tied to their shared love of the mountains and winter sports. The beach vacation in Florida was meant to be their delayed honeymoon—a time of celebration and relaxation that turned into a tragic event.
Community Support and Tributes
Family, friends, and the broader community have rallied around Leah in the wake of this devastating loss. Jake’s brother-in-law, David Curtis, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Leah manage medical bills and funeral-related expenses. The fundraiser notes that Jake’s passing has deeply impacted many, and aims to provide Leah with some stability during this difficult time.
The GoFundMe page, verified as legitimate by the family and media, emphasizes the emotional and financial challenges Leah now faces. As of this writing, the campaign is seeking $75,000 in donations.
Jake has been described by friends and relatives as a “true Coloradan,” remembered for his love of the outdoors and his kind, adventurous spirit. Local officials, including Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, expressed their condolences. In a statement, Chitwood said, “At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her for years to come,” expressing the community’s sorrow and appreciation for the efforts made by emergency responders.
Lightning Safety Awareness
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of lightning safety. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from a storm and may occur even when the skies appear clear overhead. The agency advises seeking shelter indoors or in a hard-topped vehicle at the first sign of thunder, and remaining there until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
Beaches, golf courses, open fields, and bodies of water are among the most dangerous locations during a thunderstorm. Individuals are advised to monitor weather alerts, follow posted beach safety guidelines, and evacuate outdoor areas when storms are approaching.
Related Incident the Same Day
In a separate incident on the same day, two individuals were reportedly injured after an indirect lightning strike at the Venetian Bay Golf Course, located near New Smyrna Beach. Local fire officials confirmed the occurrence but have not released updates on the condition of the affected individuals. This highlights the broader risks of lightning during Florida’s storm-prone summer season.
Conclusion
Jake Rosencranz’s sudden passing during what should have been a joyful celebration underscores the unpredictable nature of weather-related hazards. His life, filled with love, adventure, and close relationships, is remembered by all who knew him. As Florida enters its peak lightning season, the incident serves as a tragic but important reminder of the need for public awareness and preparedness regarding lightning safety.
The story of Jake and Leah—though ending in unimaginable sorrow—has also inspired an outpouring of community compassion and support, showing the strength of human connection in times of grief.
Sources:
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U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Lightning Safety
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National Weather Service (NWS) – Lightning Fatalities Database
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Lightning Safety Tips
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FOX 35 Orlando News – Lightning Strike Coverage
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Daytona Beach News-Journal – Verified GoFundMe and Family Statements
