Lightning Strike Kills Roofer Working In Bradenton: Sheriff

BRADENTON, FL — A 19-year-old roofer was struck and killed by lightning while working on a Bradenton apartment building Tuesday afternoon, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Around 2:50 p.m., roofers were working on top of multiple apartment buildings in the area, including the Walk Apartments at 14816 Skip Jack Loop, when they saw a flash and heard a loud bang, the sheriff’s office said.

The victim’s brother, who was also on the roof, turned around and saw his brother lying on the roof unconscious and not breathing, the sheriff’s office said.

EMS and fire rescue first responders arrived at the scene and attempted lifesaving efforts but were unable to revive the roofer.

During the investigation, detectives found evidence that the roofer was struck by lightning and his death has been ruled accidental, the sheriff’s office said.