Alexander Karl Getz, Peter James Stansky Obituary, Death – Two Miami men lost their lives earlier this week in Highlands County, Florida, after what authorities believe was a deadly lightning strike during a hunting trip. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Friday that the victims were 38-year-old Alexander Karl Getz and 31-year-old Peter James Stansky, both residents of Miami.
The incident occurred in a rural part of southeast Highlands County, an area known for its canals, levees, and open hunting grounds. Deputies were called out Wednesday afternoon to Rucks Dairy Road, where officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) had already begun searching for the men. The hunters had failed to return home as expected, prompting concern from loved ones and eventually leading to a coordinated search effort.
Authorities reported that the men’s vehicle was located near the site, giving investigators a starting point. Not far from the truck, search teams found the bodies of Getz and Stansky lying together on a levee alongside their dogs, who also perished in the tragic event. The location, next to Canal C-41A, suggested that the pair had been out in the open when severe weather passed through the area.
Based on early findings, investigators believe the men were struck by lightning sometime on Monday evening while engaged in their hunting trip. While thunderstorms are common in Florida, the state is often referred to as the “Lightning Capital of the U.S.” because of the high frequency of strikes, especially during late summer and early fall. These dangerous weather patterns can appear quickly, sometimes leaving little time for those outdoors to find shelter.
The District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office is tasked with determining the official cause and exact time of death. However, officials said there were no signs of foul play, and all evidence so far points to lightning as the cause of the fatalities. Autopsies will provide further confirmation, but the sheriff’s office indicated that the scene was consistent with a lightning strike incident.
The deaths of Getz and Stansky highlight the risks hunters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts face when weather conditions shift unexpectedly. Being in open areas such as levees or fields can leave individuals particularly vulnerable during thunderstorms. Lightning safety experts warn that when thunder is heard, lightning is close enough to pose a direct threat, urging people to seek safe shelter immediately—something that may not have been available to the men in this situation.
Local authorities extended condolences to the families of both men, acknowledging the devastating nature of the accident. Their deaths also drew attention to the loss of their dogs, which were found beside them, adding to the heartbreak of the discovery. For many hunters, dogs are companions as well as working partners in the field, making their deaths an especially painful detail in the tragedy.
Officials used the incident as a reminder to the public about the importance of monitoring weather conditions when engaging in outdoor activities. While hunting and fishing are popular pastimes in Highlands County, the area’s exposure to sudden storms makes caution essential. Law enforcement agencies often encourage hunters to carry weather alert devices or check forecasts regularly before heading out into remote areas.
As of Friday, the sheriff’s office confirmed the investigation remains open pending the medical examiner’s final report. However, no further foul play is suspected, and lightning remains the leading explanation. The deaths of Alexander Karl Getz and Peter James Stansky serve as a sobering example of how quickly Florida’s unpredictable weather can turn dangerous—even deadly.
This tragedy has left the Highlands County community shaken and underscores the importance of preparedness and awareness when enjoying the outdoors.
