The Utah County Sheriff’s Office released information about a fatal lightning strike at the summit of Mt. Timpanogos. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a group of hikers was sheltering from a storm in a shack near the peak, when lightning struck the shack and injured several people. Sadly, the lightning strike fatally injured a 19-year-old hiker. The incident happened Friday morning around 6 AM.
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“The group had reached the summit of Mount Timpanogos when a large thunderstorm moved into the area. As the storm approached, the hikers sought shelter inside a small structure located near the summit,” the press release says. “The structure was struck by lightning, resulting in multiple people being injured. A 19-year-old male sustained critical injuries and, despite efforts to render aid, was pronounced deceased.”
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The Sheriff’s Office adds that his tragic incident is a reminder of how quickly weather conditions can change in the mountains. “If you hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning,” the press release says. “Hikers should immediately move away from exposed ridgelines, peaks and other elevated areas and seek substantial shelter when possible. Small structures such as sheds, shelters and similar buildings do not provide adequate protection from lightning. The safest locations are substantial, fully enclosed buildings or an enclosed, hard-topped vehicle.”
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