A 20-year-old Michigan man who had recently moved to Central Florida for the Disney College Program died after a possible lightning strike in Celebration. Matthew Eric Jenkins was found unresponsive Tuesday evening on a walking path behind a hotel in Osceola County. Authorities said lightning struck nearby, but the official cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner. Bystanders performed CPR while waiting for emergency responders.
| 1) | Incident reported in Celebration |
|---|---|
| 2) | Victim had recently moved to Florida |
| 3) | Bystanders tried to help |
| 4) | Medical examiner to determine cause |
| 5) | Family remembers a new beginning |
Incident reported in Celebration
Deputies were called at about 6:25 p.m. Tuesday to a walking path in the 700 block of Bloom Street in Celebration, an Osceola County community. Jenkins was found unresponsive behind a hotel after severe weather moved through the area. Investigators said lightning had struck nearby, prompting authorities to consider a lightning strike as a possible explanation for the emergency.
Jenkins was taken to AdventHealth Celebration for treatment, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The sheriff’s office has not announced a final cause of death, and detectives are awaiting the medical examiner’s findings.
Victim had recently moved to Florida
Jenkins was from Shelby Township, Michigan, and was 20 years old. His father said Jenkins had moved to Central Florida only days earlier, arriving the previous week to begin an internship through the Disney College Program at Walt Disney World.
The move marked the start of a new opportunity for Jenkins in the tourism and hospitality industry. He was in the area as a program participant when the incident occurred on the path near the hotel.
Bystanders tried to help
People nearby reported hearing the lightning strike shortly before Jenkins was found. Spyro Betz, who had been walking toward his car, said the sound seemed to come from directly overhead.
“I heard the big crack of lightning that was like right overhead,” Betz said.
Betz said he initially believed the lightning had hit a building or the hotel. Felipe Costa told a local television station that he ran toward the path after hearing the strike and found Jenkins on the ground. A woman joined Costa and performed CPR while they waited for first responders.
“As soon as I heard that, I started running, and I came over here where it happened. That’s when I saw the man,” Costa said.
Medical examiner to determine cause
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said detectives are waiting for the medical examiner to establish Jenkins’ official cause of death. The investigation has not publicly confirmed that lightning directly struck him, although authorities said a strike occurred nearby and witnesses described hearing a powerful crack.
The medical examiner’s determination is expected to clarify whether lightning caused the fatal injuries or whether another medical factor was involved. Until that review is complete, officials are describing the incident as a possible lightning strike.
Family remembers a new beginning
Jenkins’ family is mourning his death only days after he relocated from Michigan to Florida. His father said the family was grateful to the people who tried to help Jenkins at the scene, including those who performed CPR before emergency responders arrived.
The case highlights the dangers of thunderstorms in Central Florida, where lightning can occur suddenly during fast-moving storms. Authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding Jenkins’ death while the family awaits the official findings.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew Eric Jenkins, 20, was found unresponsive on a Celebration walking path. |
| 2 | Authorities said lightning struck nearby during the incident. |
| 3 | Bystanders performed CPR before first responders arrived. |
| 4 | The medical examiner will determine the official cause of death. |
Summary
A Michigan man died after being found unresponsive on a Florida walking path shortly after moving to the region for an internship. Investigators are examining a possible lightning strike, but the medical examiner must make the final determination. Bystanders attempted CPR, and the victim’s family expressed gratitude for their efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who died in the incident?
Matthew Eric Jenkins, a 20-year-old from Shelby Township, Michigan, died after being found unresponsive in Celebration, Florida.
Where did the incident happen?
Jenkins was found on a walking path in the 700 block of Bloom Street, behind a hotel in Celebration, Osceola County.
Has lightning been confirmed as the cause of death?
No. Authorities said lightning struck nearby, but the medical examiner is still responsible for determining the official cause of death.
Did anyone try to help Jenkins?
Yes. Bystanders found him after hearing the strike, and a woman performed CPR with help from others while they waited for first responders.
