A lightning strike killed one lifeguard and injured seven others Monday at a beach in Ocean County, New Jersey, according to local authorities.
The strike killed 19-year old lifeguard Keith Pinto around 4:35 p.m. on Monday, said the Berkeley Township Police Department in a press release.
Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured.
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 30, 2021
The strike injured three other lifeguards in addition to a 50-year-old woman, a 51-year-old man, and a 19-year-old man, according to KIRO 7.
“Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguards killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured,” New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said in a tweet.
“I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time,” Murphy continued.
The town’s beaches will remain closed through Thursday, and crisis counselors will be available to staff and lifeguards, according to Mayor Amato. (RELATED: US Beaches Forced To Close Because Of Toxic Bacteria)
“This is a tragic and heartbreaking day for our town and the entire Jersey Shore,” Amato said in a statement.
“This young person was out there every day protecting the lives of others. Our lifeguard teams, like so many along the shore, develop special connections with our community throughout the summer, which makes this loss even greater,” Amato continued.
A 16-year-old lifeguard in Cape May, New Jersey, died earlier in August after he was knocked unconscious by a wave while rowing a boat.
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