Matthew Eric Jenkins, a 20-year-old from Shelby Township, Michigan, tragically lost his life on Tuesday after being struck by lightning while walking on a pedestrian trail in Celebration, Florida. This incident occurred just a week after he moved to the state to join the Disney College Program, as reported by Fox Orlando.
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office stated that Jenkins was found unresponsive on a path behind a hotel on Bloom Street, near the heart of Celebration, around 6:25 p.m. on Tuesday.
Witnesses seeking shelter from the storm saw him collapse and immediately began CPR efforts. He was then transported to AdventHealth Celebration Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Witness Accounts of the Tragic Event
Felipe Costa recalled he was walking the trail with his brother when the storm suddenly intensified. "We saw the flash out of nowhere. We didn’t see where it hit, but it was incredibly loud and swift. We knew it was close," Costa described.
Upon hearing someone had fallen, Costa rushed to the scene. "I ran over and saw the man on the ground. A woman following behind checked his pulse and breathing, immediately starting CPR," he said.
Another witness, Spyro Betz, heard the lightning strike from his car. "I heard the massive thunderclap right above. I expected it had hit a building or hotel, not a person," Betz stated.
The Young Man's Aspirations and Beloved Memory
Jenkins' father confirmed to the media that his son had arrived in Florida the previous week to begin the Disney internship, a paid program for college students at Walt Disney World. The family made annual trips to the park, and Jenkins had a special connection to the place.
In addition to his new role, Jenkins was training for the Chicago Marathon and often ran the trails in Celebration. "He was a kind, fun-loving soul cherished by his parents, brother, girlfriend, extended family, and close friends who were like family," his father expressed.
Community's Tribute and Ongoing Investigation
After learning of Jenkins' passing, Costa returned to the site to place flowers in his memory. "I went back to the spot, gathered some flowers from nearby, and placed them where he was. I wanted to leave something in remembrance," he shared.
Disney issued a statement expressing their condolences: "We are deeply saddened by Matthew's passing. He had just embarked on his journey with the Disney College Program and will always be remembered as part of our Disney community. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time."
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the incident while the medical examiner finalizes the official cause of death. Subsequent reports indicate the examiner confirmed lightning as the cause of Jenkins' death.
This tragedy unfolds amid an unusually active thunderstorm season in Florida, marking the fourth lightning-related death in the state within a month.
In late August, a mother and her two-year-old daughter died from a lightning strike in Margate, Broward County.
By mid-August, Florida had experienced over 2.3 million lightning strikes, with some days surpassing 90,000 strikes within 24 hours. Between 2016 and 2025, the state recorded 51 lightning-related fatalities, more than any other state in the nation.
Understanding Florida Lightning Incidents
Why is Florida prone to lightning strikes?
Florida's geographical location and subtropical climate contribute to its high frequency of thunderstorms, making it more susceptible to lightning strikes.
What precautions can be taken to avoid lightning strikes?
During thunderstorms, it's crucial to seek shelter indoors or in a vehicle, avoid open fields, tall isolated trees, and bodies of water, and stay off phones and electronic devices.
What is the Disney College Program?
The Disney College Program is a paid internship offering college students the chance to work and learn at Walt Disney World, gaining valuable experience in the hospitality and entertainment industries.