Roofer struck and killed by lightning in Lakewood Ranch
A roofer working on a home Tuesday afternoon in Lakewood Ranch died after being struck by lightning, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
At about 2:50 p.m., roofers were working on the roofs of several townhomes in the 14800 block of Skip Jack Loop when some of the workers saw a flash of lightning and heard a loud bang of thunder, according to a news release.
One of the roofers turned around and looked over to see his brother, Jesus Olvera-Aguilar, lying on the roof. Olvera-Aguilar, 20, was unconscious and not breathing.
Paramedics and firefighters called to the scene attempted to revive Olvera-Aguilar but he died.
Detectives with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office are conducting a standard death investigation but the case is being ruled an accidental death based on evidence found that support that the victim had been struck by lightning.
This story was originally published September 8, 2021 at 11:29 AM.
