North Carolina Man Dies From Lightning Strike
65-year -old man's body found in brush field

 

June 17, 2009
Paraphrased by Steve Waldrop

Fairview, NC- A lightning strike from a severe thunderstorm killed a man clearing a brush field near his home. The body of Donald Michael Lynch, 65, was found about 6 p.m. off U.S. 74-A near Smith Farms, said a spokesman from the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department.

Evidence at the scene led investigators to suspect a lightning strike. A Medical examiner at Mission Hospital later confirmed that Lynch died from being struck by lightning.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area at 4:35 p. m. with the possibility of penny-size hail and damaging winds. The storm covered the Fairview area with up to 2 inches of rain and lasted for a couple of hours. "We took a terrible storm out here, there was lightning every 10 seconds," said Fairview Fire Department Chief Scott Jones.

It is believed that the lightning strike that killed Lynch took place after the thunderstorm warning had expired.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggests that people should use the 30-30 rule. If the time between lightning and thunder is 30 seconds or less, go to a safe location. Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder before going outside.