81-Year-Old Man Killed by Lightning Strike

An 81-year-old Largo man is dead following a fatal lightning strike Friday.

According to Largo Police Department Lt. Paul Amodeo, the incident happened around 11:30 a.m. in the area of Egret and Sandpiper drives.

The Jay Freres, Amodeo said, “was out for a walk when the storm came up.” He was walking alone.

The death comes just days before the start of Lightning Safety Awareness Week, which runs June 21-27. The National Weather Service is forecasting a chance for thunderstorms daily through the weekend in the Tampa Bay region.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers these lightning safety tips:

• Use cellular or cordless phone; do not use corded phones;
• You can safely use remote controls, but do not touch electrical equipment such as computers, TVs or cords;
• Do not wash your hands, take a shower, wash dishes or do laundry;
• Stay away from windows, doors and porches; and
• Do not lie or sit on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.

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