A beloved father of 4 died from a lightning strike whereas jet-skiing along with his pal in Florida, in accordance with officers and his household.
Steve Matheson, 41, was hit by lightning round 6:35 p.m. Saturday close to Fort De Soto, in accordance with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Workplace. Matheson, who was from from Saratoga Springs, Utah, was taken to a hospital the place he was later pronounced useless, authorities mentioned.
Steve Matheson, 41, on a jet ski earlier than he was hit by lightning on Aug. 29, 2026.
Courtesy of Matheson Household
Matheson had been in Florida for a piece convention and stayed an additional day to spend time with a pal, and the 2 determined to go jet-skiing on Saturday, his cousin, Marianne Matheson Shuman, informed ABC Information.
“Within the morning they’d checked the radar and felt OK about going out. They checked it proper earlier than they entered the water they usually felt OK about going out,” Shuman mentioned.
Steve Matheson (L), 41, who died from a lightning strike whereas jet-skiing in Florida with pal David Cole.
Courtesy of Matheson Household
As soon as on the water they usually noticed a storm shifting in, the chums began heading again to shore, Shuman mentioned, however they paused once they noticed a boater who wanted assist.
“Steve was actually good about serving to individuals, strangers included. … And him and his buddy stopped to assist,” she mentioned. “… That is the form of man Steve was.”
It was after they helped the boater that Matheson obtained struck by lightning, she mentioned.
Matheson leaves behind his spouse and 4 kids ages 9, 7, 4 and three, Shuman mentioned.
An undated picture of Steve Matheson along with his kids and spouse Abbie.
Courtesy of Matheson Household
An undated picture of Steve Matheson along with his kids.
Courtesy of Matheson Household
“He liked huge. His household was his No. 1 and he was a really hands-on dad,” Shuman mentioned. “He was the dad that gave up every part and would go throw a ball out within the yard. That is what his oldest son mentioned: ‘Who am I gonna throw the ball with now?'”
“He leaves a mark with all people. … He is gonna be very missed,” she mentioned.
