A Cast Member enrolled in the Disney College Program has died after a lightning strike on Tuesday, September 8.

Lightning Strike

Matthew Eric Jenkins of Shelby Township, Michigan was found unresponsive on Tuesday evening near downtown Celebration.

According to WESH2, people were taking shelter from the rain near the walking path behind a hotel on Bloom Street. Lightning struck, and moments later people noticed Jenkins had collapsed.

Felipe Costa, one of the witnesses, ran to help.

“As soon as I heard that, I started running and I came over here [where it happened]. That’s when I saw the man,” Costa said. “There was a lady behind me. She came and started CPR also as soon as possible. We were just waiting until the first responders got there.”

Jenkins was taken to Celebration Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office said.

“I have so much more respect for what storms are capable of, what nature’s capable of, and we gotta learn how to respect that and know how to deal with it,” Costa said. “Taking cover during storms right now is absolutely a priority for me.”

Jennkins’ father told WESH 2 that Jenkins had just moved to Central Florida last week to begin the Disney College Program. He said he’s grateful to everyone who came to his son’s aid.

The official cause of death is still being investigated.

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