Florida Hunters and Their Dogs Killed by Lightning Strike in Highlands County

Two hunters from Miami and their dogs were tragically killed by a lightning strike while hunting in Highlands County, Florida. The incident highlights the deadly risks of thunderstorms for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. Tragedy on the Levee Authorities confirmed that 38‑year‑old Alexander Karl Getz and 31‑year‑old Peter James Kaminsky, both from Miami, were found dead alongside their two hunting dogs on a levee near Canal C‑41A off Rucks Dairy Road. The location sits near the Kissimmee River where it flows into Lake Okeechobee. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) reported that the men likely died sometime after 8 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, when a severe thunderstorm swept through the area. Their bodies were discovered Wednesday afternoon after a search by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), which had been alerted when the hunters failed to return home. Cause of Death: Lightning Strike Initial investigations point to a lightning strike as the cause of death, though the medical examiner is still determining the official cause and time. Weather records confirm that a heavy thunderstorm with rain and lightning moved into Okeechobee County around 8 p.m. Monday and continued until after 10 p.m. Sheriff Paul Blackman emphasized Florida’s high risk of lightning: “Our area gets more lightning than just about anywhere else in the country, especially in the summer. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike—even if the sky doesn’t look too bad yet.” Hunting Season Context The men were likely duck hunting or scouting along the canal during Florida’s early teal season, which ran from September 20 through September 24. The timing of the storm coincided with their hunt, leaving them exposed in a dangerous environment near open water. A Pattern of Outdoor Lightning Deaths This tragedy comes just weeks after two elk hunters in Colorado were killed by a lightning strike while in the Rio Grande National Forest. In that case, the coroner determined the men were not struck directly but were close enough to be fatally electrocuted. Both incidents serve as stark reminders of the dangers lightning poses to hunters, anglers, and outdoor adventurers across the United States. Lightning Safety for Hunters and Outdoorsmen Search‑and‑rescue experts stress that when storms approach, hunters should: - Avoid standing under trees or in open fields. - Stay away from bodies of water, which act as lightning magnets. - Seek shelter indoors or in a vehicle with a hard roof whenever possible. A Sobering Reminder The deaths of Getz and Kaminsky underscore the unpredictable risks of hunting in Florida’s storm‑prone environment. As the outdoor community mourns their loss, officials urge hunters to prioritize lightning safety and remain vigilant during sudden weather changes.