Lightning strike on Utah boat kills angler on board, officials say

CORINNE, Utah – A boater died in Utah on Sunday after a lightning strike capsized his boat and threw three people overboard, according to local authorities.

According to the Box County Sheriff's Office, officers responded to a lightning strike on the Bear River in Corinne. When officers arrived, they learned that three people were fishing when lightning struck their boat.

The lightning strike caused the boat to capsize and all three anglers were thrown into the river; two were able to swim to shore, but the third did not resurface.

An aerial photo shows the search for a missing boater in Corinne, Utah, on August 18, 2024.

(Box Elder County Sheriff's Office)

Multiple organizations, including the Box Elder County Dive Team, search and rescue and air force personnel searched for the missing boater throughout the night. The remains were found around 5:30 a.m. local time using sonar and rescue divers, a news release said.

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“We extend our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragic loss, especially the friends and family of the deceased. We are sincerely grateful to all the professionals and volunteers who donated their time,” said Box County Sheriff's Deputy Cade Palmer.

The two survivors were treated at a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to the National Lightning Safety Council, there will be an average of about 16 lightning deaths in the United States through mid-August. This will be the ninth lightning death in 2024 and the first in Utah this year.