Newlywed dies after lightning strike in rare Florida beach accident
Colorado man killed during delayed honeymoon as storm approaches New Smyrna Beach; wife faces sudden loss amid shock and grief
A 29-year-old Colorado man was killed by a lightning strike while standing in shallow water at New Smyrna Beach, Florida, just days into his long-awaited honeymoon. The unexpected storm turned a dream vacation into tragedy for him and his new wife.
Jake Rosencranz and his wife Leah had delayed their honeymoon to Florida, hoping for a peaceful getaway after years together. On June 21, that dream was shattered when Jake became the state’s first lightning-related fatality of 2025.
He had been wading in ankle-deep surf near 27th Avenue Beach in New Smyrna around 12:30 p.m., unaware a storm system inland was rapidly approaching. Radar later showed 170 lightning strikes in the area.
Jake was struck suddenly. Lifeguards performed CPR immediately, and emergency responders rushed him to AdventHealth in New Smyrna Beach. Despite hours of effort, he died the next day.
A life built together
Jake and Leah met in high school chemistry class and stayed inseparable. They built a home in Frisco, Colorado, with their dog Bonnie, spending weekends hiking, skiing, and enjoying the outdoors. They married in July 2023 at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area—a place full of memories with friends and family.
Their honeymoon was meant to celebrate that next chapter.
Now, Leah is navigating life without her partner.
Friends described Jake as a “true Coloradan” with deep New England roots. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood wrote in a Facebook post, “At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her for years to come.”
Jake’s brother-in-law has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help Leah with medical bills and other expenses, with a goal of $75,000. The fundraiser notes: “This devastating loss impacts so many loved ones, but especially Leah who will be navigating life without her husband and best friend.”
Others affected the same day
On the same afternoon, two people golfing at nearby Venetian Bay Golf Course were also struck indirectly by lightning. Their conditions have not been publicly confirmed.
Jake’s sudden death is a painful reminder that even on clear days, weather can turn without warning. For Leah, what began as a long-anticipated honeymoon ended in a loss no one could have expected.
