Fowler Associates Labs

August 19, 2005

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A fast moving thunderstorm produced a lightning bolt that struck and killed two roofers as they were working to replace a roof on a town house that had been damaged by hurricane Charley

The men were likely hit near an eight-inch hole found in a nearby wall, said officials. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene Thursday afternoon.

The victims were identified as Carlos B. Guillen, 28, and Gaspar Garcia, 20. Colonial Roofing general manager Chris Rakos said the men had worked for the company for a short time.

They were the second and third fatalities from lightning strikes in Lee County this year. A 39-year-old man died when he was struck by lightning on a Bonita Springs golf course in April.

A third man working nearby, Victor Rivera, 20, ran to a neighboring home for help and was taken to a hospital for observation, said Lauri McMahon, public information officer for the Iona-McGregor Fire District.

According to the National Weather Service, Florida averages about nine lightning deaths a year, the most in the nation.