Overview
- A group of nine hikers sheltered in a small structure near the Mount Timpanogos summit when lightning struck, critically injuring a 19-year-old who later died, authorities said.
- Utah County Search and Rescue and other agencies responded during active severe weather and evacuated the injured, and officials said the summit location and storm conditions made the rescue more difficult.
- A photographer at Mill Canyon captured a large lightning strike at about 6:20 a.m., footage that has been linked to the event that wounded hikers on Sept. 18.
- Local officials and the National Weather Service reiterated that hearing thunder means you are close enough to be struck and that only fully enclosed buildings or hard‑topped vehicles offer reliable protection.
- The sheriff’s office is withholding the victim’s identity pending family notification, is investigating the cause of death, and warned hikers to check forecasts and avoid exposed ridgelines before storms.