Joey Nelson, Randall Martin III Obituary, Death – Two teenagers tragically lost their lives after being struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm in Ware County, Georgia, on Thursday evening, according to multiple reports. The fatal incident occurred while the teens were on a fishing trip near Lejune Road. Waycross City Manager Ulysess Rayford confirmed the details of the accident with First Coast News, an NBC affiliate based in Jacksonville, Florida.
According to information provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Jacksonville, the lightning strike happened around 9:05 p.m. The teens were in an open field near a vehicle when they were hit by the lightning bolt during the active storm.
Waycross Mayor Michael-Angelo James publicly identified the victims as Joey Nelson and Randall Martin III. The two young men were reportedly close friends and well-known in their community. Authorities have not yet released their ages, but they were described as teenagers.
No additional injuries were reported in the incident, and officials have not provided further details on whether anyone else was nearby or attempted to help at the scene.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but tragically, both teens died as a result of their injuries from the lightning strike. The community is now mourning the loss, with many offering condolences to the families.
Local officials and meteorologists emphasized the dangers of being outside during thunderstorms, particularly in open areas where there is an increased risk of lightning strikes. The National Weather Service advises seeking shelter immediately once thunder is heard, as lightning can strike even when storms appear to be several miles away.
Ware County residents have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of Nelson and Martin. Social media posts and local news outlets have shared messages of sympathy and remembrance for the two boys, who were said to be kind, energetic, and full of potential.
Community leaders are encouraging residents to come together to support the grieving families and to raise awareness about storm safety. Schools, churches, and youth organizations in Waycross are expected to hold memorial events or prayer vigils in the coming days.
The lightning deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather, especially in the southeastern United States, where thunderstorms are frequent in the summer months. The NWS and local emergency services continue to urge the public to take weather alerts seriously and to avoid outdoor activities when thunderstorms are forecast.
At this time, no further details have been released regarding funeral arrangements or possible commemorations. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the lightning strike is ongoing, but no foul play is suspected.
As the community mourns this tragic loss, local officials hope the incident will reinforce the importance of storm preparedness and caution during inclement weather.
