CELEBRATION, Fla. — A 20-year-old Michigan man has been identified after he was found unresponsive near a walking path in Celebration following reports of a lightning strike in the area, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around 6:25 p.m. on Sept. 8 to the area behind a hotel at 700 Bloom St. after receiving a call about an unresponsive man.
Investigators said witnesses observed a lightning strike in the area before finding the man. Bystanders began CPR before deputies arrived.
The man was transported to AdventHealth Celebration, where he was pronounced dead.
On Wednesday, deputies identified the victim as Matthew Eric Jenkins, 20, of Shelby Township, Michigan, after working with federal law enforcement authorities. His parents have been notified.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said homicide detectives are awaiting findings from the medical examiner to determine the official cause of death.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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