Man Struck By Lightning On NJ Golf Course

HAMBURG, NJ — A man was struck by lightning while playing golf at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hamburg on Tuesday.

Ballyowen is located at 137 Wheatsworth Road, and is part of the Crystal Springs Resort.

According to the Hardyston Police Department, officers responded to the grounds at around 2 p.m. after receiving a call that someone was hit by lightning. There, they found Simon Mariani, 28 of Franklin Lakes, down on the course.

Officers administered care to Mariani until paramedics with Atlantic Health and St Clare's arrived on the scene. He was then flown to Cooperman Barnabas Hospital for further medical attention.

The condition of his injuries is unknown.

According to the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, lightning causes an average of 67 deaths each year nationwide. Others who are injured commonly survive with long-term, debilitating symptoms including memory loss, sleep disorders and muscle spasms.

Lightning Safety

According to the National Weather Service, the best way to protect yourself from lightning is to avoid the threat. "You simply don’t want to be caught outside in a storm. Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel or postpone activities early if thunderstorms are expected...Substantial buildings and hard-topped vehicles are safe options. Rain shelters, small sheds, and open vehicles are not safe," the NWS said.

And when inside, don't touch anything that is plugged into an electrical outlet, plumbing, and corded phones. "Cell phones and cordless phones are safe. Also, keep away from outside doors and windows and do not lie on a garage floor."

More Safety Tips and Resources

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