Officials: Lifeguard killed, several others affected by lightning strike at the Jersey Shore

A lifeguard was killed and several other people were affected by a lightning strike at the Jersey Shore.

News 12 Staff

Aug 30, 2021, 11:58 PM

Updated 1,139 days ago

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A lifeguard was killed and several other people were affected by a lightning strike at the Jersey Shore.
Witnesses tell News 12 that it happened just before 5 p.m. on the 21st Avenue Beach in Berkeley Township.
Witnesses say that there was no warning that a storm was coming. They say that the 19-year-old lifeguard was thrown from his lifeguard stand following the strike.
Emergency crews quickly responded and administered CPR, but the teen died.
Several other people complained about having a headache or feeling light-headed and feeling their hair standing on end because of the lighting.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted a statement following the incident.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured,” the governor wrote.
The lifeguard’s name was not immediately released.
Officials say that the beach will be open on Tuesday, but that swimming will not be allowed because no lifeguards will be on duty. Counseling will be made available to all beach staff.
The incident came as isolated storms popped up around the state.