Lightning Strikes New Jersey Archery Club, One Dead, 13 Injured

A lightning strike at the Black Knight Bowbenders archery club in Jackson Township, New Jersey, resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to 13 others on the evening of March 6, 2024. The incident occurred shortly after 19:00 local time, as participants were engaged in outdoor activities. According to Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz, a 61-year-old male succumbed to his injuries, while the injured ranged in age from seven to 61 years old.

Among those injured, approximately half were juveniles affiliated with Jackson Scouts Troop 204, a local scouting organization. The victims suffered from various conditions, including burns and non-specific complaints of feeling unwell. Police Public Safety Director Joseph Candido confirmed that all injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, with no life-threatening injuries reported.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene following the lightning strike. Gene Grodzki, a member of the archery club, performed CPR on the deceased. He recounted, “Everything was great, and then the finger of God just came down and took a life. I pray that everybody else that’s now in the hospital are okay.” The victim was not affiliated with Scouting America, according to Scott Armstrong, the director of national media relations.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement expressing concern, saying he had been briefed on the situation and urging people to pray for those affected. At the time of the lightning strike, Jackson Township was under a thunderstorm warning. The region has experienced a series of thunderstorms in recent days, as a storm system moved across the Mid-Atlantic.

This tragic incident is part of a broader pattern; on average, lightning strikes kill around 20 people annually in the United States and injure hundreds more, according to data from the National Weather Service. So far this year, at least 11 lightning-related fatalities have been recorded nationwide. Earlier in the week, two individuals died in Plainfield, New Jersey, after their vehicle was swept away by floodwaters.

The Black Knight Bowbenders archery club features a 50-acre outdoor range with 56 shooting lanes, located approximately three miles from the popular amusement park Six Flags Great Adventure. As warmer months approach, the risk of lightning strikes tends to increase, particularly in June and August. The National Weather Service advises that individuals should seek shelter indoors at the first sign of thunder or lightning.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather and the importance of heeding safety warnings. The community is now left to mourn the loss and support those recovering from their injuries.