Man Dies After Apparent Lightning Strike In Waukesha

WAUKESHA, WI — A man died after he was apparently struck by lightning Wednesday evening outside a Kwik Trip in Waukesha, according to police.

Emergency responders were called around 7:43 p.m. to a report of a man down at the 2000 block of Golf Road, the Waukesha Police Department said.

The caller reported that an adult man was on the ground and may not have been breathing as heavy rain, thunder, and lightning moved through the area.

When officers arrived, they found an unresponsive man in his 40s.

Police and fire personnel began lifesaving efforts, and authorities soon received information indicating he may have been struck by lightning, police said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died.

Preliminary information indicates the man was walking through the parking lot during the storm when he was struck.

The business was a Kwik Trip, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

Police said witness accounts and physical evidence at the scene were consistent with a lightning strike.

Authorities are working with the medical examiner to confirm the man's identity and determine the official manner and cause of death. Police said they believe the victim was not from Wisconsin.

"This is a tragic and rare event," police said. "Our thoughts are with the individual's family and loved ones during this difficult time."

No further information was immediately available.