FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. – One man has died after being hit by lightning and two others have been injured, according to fire department officials on Fort Myers Beach.
Local 6 partner Florida Today reported the strike happened on the beach near a Hooters restaurant, according to an employee there.
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Matt Rector, who works at All Island Water Booth on the sand of Fort Myers Beach, ran toward the three people who were struck by lightning.
"I'm certified in CPR because of the work that I do," Rector said.
Rector wanted to see if he could help while emergency medical services arrived on the beach.
"There was a girl on her knees and a guy laying next to her," Rector said. One of the victims was "obviously deceased."
It looked like he was struck in the head, he added. "It was red everywhere, the blood ran down to the water."
A second man was struck in the chest, Rector said.
Emergency responders arrived about a minute later, according to Rector.
"It was loud," Rector said. "It was a flash of white and then a crack."