The odds of being struck by lightning is less than one in a million in a given year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. But people have died from lightning strikes in New Jersey before. In June 2024, a Manchester man was killed in Seaside Park.

Another day of pop-up thunderstorms is expected for the tri-state area Thursday, this one potentially more widespread than the isolated cell that turned deadly in New Jersey a day ago. Any storms that do develop,

David Robinson, New Jersey’s state climatologist, said Wednesday’s lightning strike that killed one person and injured 14 others was a rare occurrence. The strike at the Black Knights Bow Benders Archery Range in Jackson killed Robert Montgomery, 61 of Cinnaminson, and injured over a dozen Cub Scouts, one as young as 7.

It happened on July 8, while Simon Mariani was competing in an all-day Iron Man competition at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hamburg. Mariani was playing at the 15th hole when he was struck by a bolt of lightning during a storm.

A 28-year-old New Jersey man who was struck by lightning while playing in a golf tournament in his home state died earlier this week. Simon John Mariani was competing in an Iron Man golf event at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hamburg,