Lightning Strike Kills 1, Injures 13 at New Jersey Archery Range

Tragic Lightning Strike in Ocean County

• ⚡ A lightning strike tragically killed one man and injured 13 others at the Black Knight Bowbender Outdoor Archery Range in Jackson Township, Ocean County.
• 💔 The deceased has been identified as 61-year-old Robert Montgomery, a long-time club member and volunteer.
• 🎯 The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. during an archery competition involving scouts and their parents.

Witness Accounts and Immediate Aftermath

• 💥 Witness Jean Grodsky described the event as an "explosion" with dirt flying, and felt his hair stand on end just before the strike.
• 🩹 Grodsky performed CPR on Montgomery, describing it as his first time administering the life-saving procedure.
• 🤕 Injuries among the 13 victims ranged from burns to being knocked unconscious, with ages spanning from 7 to 61 years old.

Broader Context of Severe Weather

• ⚠️ The lightning strike occurred despite no immediate signs of a storm or rain, highlighting the suddenness of severe weather.
• 🏌️ This incident follows another recent lightning fatality in New Jersey, where a golfer died on July 8th.
• 📈 New Jersey is currently tied with Georgia and North Carolina for the lead in lightning deaths nationwide, with two fatalities within approximately two weeks.
• ⛈️ The severe weather cell that caused the strike was characterized by intense lightning activity and hail, indicating strong thunderstorm updrafts and downdrafts.
• 🚗 Some roadways also experienced flooding in Middlesex County due to the storms.