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One person was killed by lighting and three others were hospitalized Friday from the effects of the mid-afternoon strike in the 6000 block of Estero Boulevard.
According to the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District, crews found one individual unresponsive, and three others who had to be transported. "A bystander had deployed an AED and was performing CPR upon our arrival, however due to the injuries sustained efforts were not successful," the department said in a statement posted online.
Viktar Kiryk, 51, was identified by the Lee County Sheriff's Office as the victim who suffered the fatal injuries from the lightning strike.
Kiryk was in the water with three family members at the time of the incident, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office. The three family members were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and were reported to be in stable condition over the weekend. No further information regarding Kiryk was immediately available.
Fort Myers Beach Fire Chief Scott Wirth said all four adult victims had been swimming in the water together at the time of the incident.
The lightning strike occurred on the water's edge near the Island Winds condominium beachfront.
"It appears the deceased person suffered a direct strike, the others were in proximity to the strike and received varying effects from it," Wirth said.
Wirth said there was an attempt by local witnesses to save the victim's life before emergency responders arrived on the scene.
"Civilians started CPR immediately following the lightning strike. The patient was deemed deceased at the scene, was not transported, and was left in the hands of the Lee County Sheriff's Office as they conducted their investigation," Wirth said.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office did not respond to questions regarding the incident by press time.
In a statement posted on social media, the Lee County Sheriff's Office said their "thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Kiryk family during this unimaginable time. We are also grateful to the bystanders and first responders who rushed in to help without hesitation."
The Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District reminds the public to be aware of lightning and thunder and take appropriate precautions.
"To our residents and visitors, please stay aware of the weather and the environment," the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District stated on a social media posting. "You should immediately seek shelter when you hear thunder or see lightning. Please keep yourself and your family safe," the department stated.