A 20-year-old college intern tragically died after being struck by lightning just days after moving to Florida to begin what was supposed to be an exciting new chapter with the Disney College Program.
Matthew Jenkins, of Shelby Township, Michigan, was found unresponsive Tuesday evening near the Celebration Hotel in Celebration, Florida, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
Jenkins’ father said his son had moved to Florida only the week before to participate in the Disney College Program.
According to a report from the Osceola County Medical Examiner’s Office, Jenkins had been running in a park near the hotel on Bloom Street when a sudden thunderstorm swept through the area.
He reportedly sought shelter beneath a tree as the weather worsened.
Witnesses said another group of people was also trying to escape the rain when lightning struck at around 6:30 p.m.
Moments later, they noticed that Jenkins had collapsed.
Witness Felipe Costa said he immediately ran toward the scene after realizing someone had been hurt.
“As soon as I heard that, I started running and I came over here,” Costa said. “That’s when I saw the man.”
Costa and others quickly began trying to save Jenkins.
One woman started performing CPR as the group waited for emergency responders to arrive.
“There was a lady behind me,” Costa said. “She came and started CPR also as soon as possible. We were just waiting until the first responders got there.”
Emergency crews rushed Jenkins to Celebration Hospital, where doctors continued extensive efforts to revive him.
He was later pronounced dead.
Hospital staff told the medical examiner that Jenkins appeared to have lightning exit wounds on his feet, according to documents obtained by the New York Post.
The tragedy came just days after Jenkins had arrived in Florida to begin his Disney College Program experience.
Disney released a statement mourning his death.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Matthew,” a Disney spokesperson said.
“He had just begun his Disney College Program journey, and will always be remembered as part of our Disney community.”
“Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the company added.
Authorities have not released additional details surrounding the lightning strike.
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