A routine walk across a Waukesha parking lot turned deadly Wednesday night when a man in his 40s was struck by lightning and later died, according to city officials.
First responders were called to a business in the 2000 block of Gold Road at about 7:43 p.m. after a caller reported finding a person down in the parking lot during a thunderstorm. Police and fire crews tried life-saving measures at the scene and then rushed the man to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to TMJ4, witnesses and physical evidence at the scene were consistent with a lightning strike, and investigators believe the man may have been hit while walking through the lot. The caller told dispatchers they were not sure whether the man was breathing when they made the call. TMJ4 reported that the city issued a statement Thursday morning confirming the death.
What officials said
In a press release, the City of Waukesha said investigators are still reviewing the incident and that they believe the victim is from out of state. City officials asked anyone who saw what happened or has information about the event to contact the Waukesha Police Department as the investigation continues.
Lightning risk and safety
The National Weather Service warns that lightning can strike miles away from a storm and that “if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck,” guidance that hits especially hard after the Waukesha death. The agency notes lightning causes about 20 deaths each year in the United States.
Local emergency officials stress that anyone caught outside during a storm should head for an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle and stay there until at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. More detailed guidance and preparedness tips are available from the National Weather Service and from Waukesha County Emergency Management.
Officials have not released the man’s name. The city said the investigation is ongoing and repeated that anyone with information should contact the Waukesha Police Department. This story will be updated as more details are released.
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