Lightning Strike Kills Instructor, Injures 14 at New Jersey Archery Event

Tragic Lightning Strike at Archery Range

• ⚡ A Cub Scout archery event in Jackson Township, New Jersey, was struck by lightning, resulting in a tragic outcome.
• 🎯 A 61-year-old instructor, Robert McGomery, was killed, and 14 others, including children, were injured.
• ⚠️ The incident occurred despite it not actively raining at the time, highlighting the unpredictable nature of lightning.

Survivor Accounts and Injuries

• 🤕 Ten-year-old Boy Scout Ryan Coopy described the terrifying moments, experiencing second-degree burns on his foot.
• 💥 Another survivor, Mike Luster, recounted the suddenness of the strike, initially mistaking it for a bomb and witnessing a fellow participant being thrown into a tree.
• 😨 Many children and adults were left in shock and experiencing anxiety following the event.

Emergency Response and Community Support

• 🚑 First responders, including Jackson Township EMS and PD, arrived quickly to provide aid, with CPR being administered to two individuals.
• 🏥 The wounded were stabilized and transported to local hospitals.
• 🙏 Parents of the scouts are reportedly organizing a gathering to express their gratitude to the first responders for their efforts.

Broader Context of Lightning Incidents

• 🏌️‍♂️ This incident follows closely on the heels of another lightning-related death in New Jersey, where a golfer died from injuries sustained two days prior.
• 🌳 The lightning strike at the archery range reportedly hit a tree, underscoring the dangers associated with outdoor activities during potential thunderstorms.