Overview

• Deputies were called around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday after Florida Fish and Wildlife officers discovered the men's vehicle near Rucks Dairy Road.
• The bodies were found on a levee next to Canal C-41A in the far southeast corner of Highlands County.
• The victims were 38 and 31 years old, were from the Miami area, and had not been publicly identified.
• Detectives believe a lightning strike on Monday evening killed the men and their two hunting dogs, with the District 10 Medical Examiner to determine the official cause and time of death.
• Sheriff Paul Blackman urged residents to take thunderstorms seriously and follow lightning safety guidance in a region known for frequent strikes.