Overview

• Just before 7:15 p.m. on July 16, lightning struck the Black Knight Bowbenders outdoor archery range in Jackson Township during a severe weather warning.
• A 61-year-old man died from his injuries, becoming the sole fatality among the 14 people struck by the bolt.
• Thirteen other victims, aged between 7 and 61, were hospitalized with injuries that included burns, temporary unconsciousness and general illness.
• Responders from Jackson Township Police, multiple EMS units, RWJBarnabas Health and Atlantic Health System paramedics and several fire departments rapidly triaged and transported the victims.
• Authorities continue to investigate the incident, monitor weather conditions and reassess safety protocols for outdoor activities in severe storms.