A heroic act to protect children from an impending thunderstorm turned fatal when Patrick Dispoto, a 59-year-old man, was struck by lightning and tragically died in Seaside Park, N.J. on Sunday, June 23.

Patrick Dispoto, along with his girlfriend Ruth Fussell, had taken refuge in their car, but he couldn’t bear to see a group of kids left unprotected on the beach. He returned to warn them just as the storm rolled in with thunder and lightning. It was during this selfless act of bravery that Dispoto was struck by lightning.

Despite immediate CPR attempts, Dispoto was pronounced dead shortly before 9 p.m. at the local hospital. An autopsy confirmed that his death was an accidental result of the lightning strike.

Seaside Park is currently in the process of updating its lightning detection systems, but unfortunately, the new sensors are not yet operational. Jim Rankin, the lifeguard captain, warned about the dangers of thunderstorms on the beach, stating, “In the event of a thunderstorm, the beach is a very dangerous place to be.”

Lightning strikes are unpredictable, and thunderstorms can escalate quickly. New Jersey 101.5 chief meteorologist Dan Zarrow emphasized the importance of taking thunderstorms seriously, stating, “If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning.”

According to the National Weather Service, there are approximately 1,800 thunderstorms occurring over the Earth at any given moment, resulting in roughly 100 lightning flashes each second and nearly 8 million per day. Since 1959, an average of 86 people per year across the U.S. have died due to lightning strikes.

While the chances of being struck by lightning in a lifetime are slim, it is important to take precautions and prioritize safety. Most fatal incidents occur when people are swimming, hiking, or playing golf. Remember, “When thunder roars, head indoors.”

Our hearts go out to Patrick Dispoto’s loved ones during this difficult time. His bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten.