Florida teen killed by lightning while kayaking with father

An 18-year-old Florida fisherman has died after being struck by lightning while kayaking on the Blackwater River near Milton, according to . Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Michael Aiden Vargas of Crestview was kayaking with his father around noon on May 31 when lightning struck near their kayak, knocking the teen into the water. Despite hours of search by multiple dive teams and rescue agencies, Vargas was later found dead in the river.

What started as a routine day on the water soon turned tragic as storm clouds began to form over the River Blackwater.

Michael Vargas said he and his son had already turned back and were headed to the boat because of the change in weather.

“We could see the dock,” he later told reporters. “We were almost there.”

The water still looked calm. There were no large waves or dangerous conditions that would indicate how quickly conditions could turn fatal.

Then lightning struck.

Witness Steven Sanders, who was near the river at the time, described hearing an explosive crack that echoed throughout the area.

“I heard a huge bolt of lightning, so loud it was ear-piercing and scared the heck out of me,” Sanders said.

A few moments later, Aiden Vargas disappeared under the water.

His father, along with nearby witnesses and Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation staff, immediately began searching for him while emergency crews arrived at the scene. The FWC Dive Team, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Daphne Search and Rescue search teams spent more than 10 hours searching the swollen river using boats, divers and sonar equipment.

Michael Vargas later said that one of the most emotional moments came when his family finally left after several hours of uncertainty.

“It was almost like we were driving when they found Aiden,” he said.

according to National Electricity Safety CouncilFlorida leads the nation in deaths caused by lightning. Experts say summer storms could intensify rapidly across the state, with heavy rainfall capable of knocking out lightning miles away.

Aiden’s family described him as someone who enjoyed fishing, mixed martial arts and spending time outdoors. His father said that he constantly brings energy and positivity to people around him.

“He loved life so much,” Michael said. “Nothing can break that smile.”

The FWC said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.