CELEBRATION, Fla. — A 20-year-old Michigan man found unresponsive near a walking path in Celebration after witnesses reported a lightning strike in the area had recently moved to Central Florida to participate in Disney’s College Program, according to his family.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Matthew Eric Jenkins, 20, of Shelby Township, Michigan. Deputies responded around 6:25 p.m. Sept. 8 to the area behind a hotel at 700 Bloom St. after receiving a report of an unresponsive man.
Investigators said witnesses saw a lightning strike in the area before finding Jenkins. Bystanders began CPR before deputies arrived. Jenkins was transported to AdventHealth Celebration, where he was pronounced dead.
Sheriff’s officials said homicide detectives are awaiting the medical examiner’s findings to determine the official cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.
In a statement provided to Channel 9, Jenkins’ mother, Beth Jenkins, said her son had arrived in Central Florida just last week to begin Disney’s College Program.
She said Jenkins was an avid runner who competed in cross country during high school and had played soccer since he was 3 years old. He was also training for the Chicago Marathon.
According to his family, annual trips to Walt Disney World were a tradition, and Jenkins enjoyed running in Celebration.
“He was a kind soul and very funny,” his mother said. “He was loved by his parents, brother, girlfriend, extended family and several close friends that were like family.”
Before moving to Florida, Jenkins spent part of the summer traveling and visiting national parks across the country, according to his family.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active pending the medical examiner’s report.
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