Lightning Strike Kills Volunteer at New Jersey Youth Archery Competition

Tragic Lightning Strike at Archery Range

• ⚡ A lightning strike tragically killed one person and injured more than a dozen others at the Black Knight Bowbenders Outdoor Archery Range in Jackson Township, New Jersey.
• 🎯 The incident occurred around 7:15 PM during a youth archery competition, with victims ranging in age from 7 to 61.
• ⚠️ Witnesses reported that the lightning bolt struck "out of nowhere," with no prior thunder or rain, and no visible signs of danger in the sky.

Victim and Injuries

• 💔 The deceased has been identified as 61-year-old Robert Montgomery, a club member volunteering at the event.
• 🤕 Injuries included burns and one person being knocked unconscious.
• 👨‍🚒 An instructor on-site attempted CPR on Montgomery but could not revive him.

Witness Account and Club Reaction

• 👂 An instructor described the event as "pandemonium," with people being thrown to the ground and parents screaming.
• 😭 The club expressed heartbreak over the loss of Montgomery, remembering him as a "wonderful man" who was volunteering to help children.

Broader Context and Official Response

• ⚠️ This is at least the third incident of a person being struck by lightning in the tri-state area within the past month.
• 😔 Governor Murphy has been briefed and is asking for prayers for those involved in this tragic incident.