1 Killed, 14 Injured by Lightning Strike at Venice Beach

Sunday's fatality is 16th death by lightning in the U.S. this year, Today reports

By Rebecca Macatee Jul 28, 2014 1:43 PMTags

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Lightning struck California's Venice Beach Sunday afternoon, producing some tragic results.

A 20-year-old died in the hospital following the strike, officials tell Today, and 14 others were also injured, one of whom was taken to the hospital in critical condition. 

Beach-goer Joe Doro described the scene to NBC Los Angeles, saying, "All of a sudden it was the loudest thunder I've ever heard, it was like a scene of of Jaws, all the mothers were going in to grab their kids and drag them out of the water."

Lightning also struck on nearby Santa Catalina Island Sunday. According to NBC Los Angeles, a 57-year-old man on an Avalon Golf course was hospitalized in stable condition after being struck. Fortunately, he is expected to survive.

A home and car parked in Redondo Beach were also reportedly damaged by lightening the same day, but no injuries were reported at the scene. 

The man who passed away Sunday following the Venice Beach strike is the 16th death by lightning this year in the United States, according to Today. The last time someone in Southern California was killed by lightning was over five years ago. 

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