Archery range in New Jersey struck by lightning, resulting in one fatality and over a dozen injuries
In a sobering turn of events, the National Weather Service has confirmed the death of an individual in Jackson Township, New Jersey, marking the country's 12th lightning fatality this year [4]. This latest tragedy follows a series of incidents that have seen a rapid increase in lightning-related fatalities over the past few days.
According to the most recent sources, as of July 17, 2025, the United States has experienced 12 lightning-related deaths [4]. Earlier reports mention that by July 11, there were 8 recorded deaths [2], and by July 13, the count was at 6 [1].
The deceased individual was a 61-year-old male who was not affiliated with Scouting America. The incident occurred at the Black Knight Bowbenders archery club, a 50-acre outdoor range with 56 shooting lanes, approximately 3 miles from the amusement park Six Flags Great Adventure.
The lightning strike was reported to first responders just after 7 p.m., as the storm system moving across the Mid-Atlantic continued to result in persistent thunderstorms in New Jersey and several East Coast states. At the time of the incident, Jackson Township was under a thunderstorm warning.
Gene Grodzki, a member of the archery club, performed CPR on the victim, but unfortunately, the individual did not survive. Thirteen other people, including a 7-year-old, were injured in the incident. The injuries sustained by the victims ranged from burns to non-specific complaints of not feeling well. All the injured individuals were transported to area hospitals.
Lightning strikes have claimed an average of 20 lives per year across the country and injured hundreds more, according to data from the National Weather Service. Florida continues to experience a significant portion of lightning fatalities, with some earlier deaths occurring in Georgia and other Southeastern states [1][2]. Fishing, boating, beachgoing, and other outdoor activities remain the most common scenarios for lightning fatalities [1][2].
Despite the decline in lightning deaths over the years, these incidents still occur, especially during the summer storm season. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has been briefed on the situation at the Black Knight Bowbenders archery club. Governor Murphy has asked for prayers for everyone involved in the tragic incident.
Two other tragic incidents occurred in Plainfield, New Jersey earlier this week, where two people died after a vehicle was swept away by floodwaters. As the summer storm season continues, it is crucial for everyone to follow the National Weather Service's advice: if you hear thunder, see lightning, or the sky looks threatening, head indoors as quickly as possible.
**Summary Table**
| Date of Report | Cumulative Deaths in 2025 | Notes | |----------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------------| | July 11 | 8 | According to National Lightning Safety Council[2] | | July 13 | 6 | Per National Weather Service, Jacksonville[1] | | July 17 | 12 | National Weather Service nationwide[4] |
[1] National Weather Service, Jacksonville, Florida (July 13, 2025) [2] National Lightning Safety Council (July 11, 2025) [4] National Weather Service (July 17, 2025)
The United States has seen a rise in lightning-related fatalities, with the latest reported incident occurring at the Black Knight Bowbenders archery club in Jackson Township, New Jersey, adding to the total of 12 lightning-related deaths this year. Given the ongoing summer storm season, it's essential for everyone to heed the advice from the National Weather Service and seek shelter immediately when they hear thunder, see lightning, or the sky appears threatening.
