2 min read

Jake Rosencranz: Tragedy strikes as groom killed by lightning on Florida honeymoon

Tragedy has literally struck a young married couple on their honeymoon after the groom was hit by lightning and killed.
Matt ShrivellBy Matt Shrivell
Colorado native Jake Rosencranz, 29, was killed after being hit by lightning on his honeymoon. Credit: Supplied.

Jake Rosencranz: Tragedy strikes as groom killed by lightning on Florida honeymoon

Tragedy has literally struck a young married couple on their honeymoon after the groom was hit by lightning and killed.
Matt ShrivellBy Matt Shrivell

Tragedy has literally struck a young married couple on their honeymoon after the groom was hit by lightning and killed in Florida.

Local authorities confirmed that at around 12.30pm (local time) last Friday, Colorado native Jake Rosencranz, 29, was in the ocean at New Smyrna Beach when he was hit with the lethal bolt of electricity.

According to reports from Volusia County Beach Safety, Mr Rosencranz suffered the fatal blow while standing in ankle deep water, before being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Download today

“The storm was still miles away from the beach, making the strike an extremely rare occurrence,” Volusia County Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs said in a statement to WESH.

“It was clear blue sky, and the storm was like miles away from us,” said another witness, according to the New York Post.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood confirmed Mr Rosencranz was visiting Florida with his new bride when the tragic incident occurred.

“So sorry for the tragic loss of a young man here on a delayed honeymoon with his wife,” Chitwood said in an e-statement on social media.

“At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her for years to come.

“Sending sincere condolences to this young woman on behalf of all of us in Volusia County who were hoping against hope that the diligent efforts of our lifeguards, EMS team and ER staff would bring him back to her,” Mr Chitwood added.

Read more...

Authorities also confirmed that at least two other people were struck by lightning in the same storm near New Smyrna Beach.

A round of golf was thrown into chaos when lightning also hit two players at Florida’s Venetian Bay Golf Course, with reports stating that luckily, neither golfer had been seriously injured.

Stream free on

7plus logo

More from

ACCC’s bitter pill for $8.8b Sigma, Chemist Warehouse union

Australia’s competition regulator has raised a raft of red flags over Sigma Healthcare’s proposed $8.8 billion tie-up with Chemist Warehouse that is set to catapult the private retailer onto the ASX.

4 min read

Dutton’s age ban to save kids from ‘industrial scale’ evil

Australian children under 16 would be banned from social media under a Coalition government, according to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

4 min read

Picking Trell for Origin II a no-brainer

KIERSTEN DUKE: He is Queensland’s worst nightmare so Michael Maguire needs to swallow his pride and choose Latrell Mitchell. Plus the women’s Origin thriller was great even if the Maroons won.

3 min read

Same job, same pay fight for 1700 workers at BHP coal mines

BHP could be hit with orders to lift the pay packets of 1700 labour hire workers at three of its Queensland coal mines as the Mining and Energy Union pursues the miner under new Same Job, Same Pay laws.

2 min read

7NEWS presenters go to war over State of Origin

7NEWS Sydney started the battle but their Brisbane counterparts returned serve with two brutal words.

2 min read

Neighbour recalls woman’s harrowing final moments in Sydney gas explosion

An elderly man has revealed his desperate efforts to rescue a woman trapped after the explosion on Saturday.

2 min read

Teen driver admits to killing SA top cop’s son in schoolies tragedy

A young driver has made a surprise admission following the death of an 18-year-old man.

2 min read

The latest on Suzuki Jimny wait times in Australia

Suzuki Australia has detailed current wait times for its ever-popular Jimny 4x4 range, with up to eight-month delays for some variants.

2 min read

Alleged killer’s chilling account of schoolgirl’s last words

The girl’s body was found dumped four days after she was reported missing.

3 min read

2024 Kia EV6 deals: Finance offer joins crowd of EV deals

Kia is offering sharper financing deals on the two most expensive members of its EV6 electric crossover range.

1 min read

Jury told Greg Lynn cannot be convicted of manslaughter

The instruction means the former Jetstar pilot can only be convicted or acquitted of murder when the jury deliberates.

1 min read

7NEWS Poll: What we don’t like about the Blues

Ahead of State of Origin I, NSW has put out a savage list of what they dislike about Queensland. Now it’s time to return fire.

1 min read