New video released after fatal lightning strike on Bear River

BEAR RIVER, Utah (KUTV) — One person was killed and two others were hospitalized after their boat was struck by lightning during a fishing trip on the Bear River.

The Box Elder County Sheriff's Office has identified the victim as 24-year-old Skyler Granath of Ogden.

The sheriff's office also released new drone footage of the search and rescue efforts.

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The nearly six-minute clip shows boats navigating through the darkness, searching for the other two who were thrown from the capsized boat.

KUTV is working on releasing the video.

The sheriff's office confirmed that survivors, whose injuries are consistent with lightning exit wounds, are expected to recover.

This tragic incident is an important reminder to always be aware of the weather, especially during the monsoon season.

“There's really no safe place to be outside during a thunderstorm,” said Jon Wilson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City. “Even if there are clouds in the distance and it's sunny where you are, lightning can strike 10 to 15 miles away.”

Utah is among the ten states with the most lightning strikes per capita.

Although deaths are rare—about 20 people die from lightning strikes in the United States each year—hundreds more are injured.

If you see or hear a storm approaching, it is important to act immediately.

“If you hear or see something in the distance, it’s time to move to a safer area,” Wilson said.

With storms forecast for this week, authorities urge everyone to stay alert and check the weather before leaving.

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