A hunting trip in Central Florida tragically concluded with the deaths of two men from Miami and their two beloved hunting dogs, a devastating event authorities believe was caused by a powerful lightning strike. The incident unfolded in the remote flatlands of Highlands County, highlighting the persistent dangers of Florida’s volatile weather.
Discovery of the Victims
The grim discovery was made on Wednesday afternoon when officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded to a call regarding two missing hunters. The FWC had been searching for the men, who failed to return from their outing earlier in the week. Their vehicle was found parked in the Rucks Dairy Road area, prompting further investigation. A subsequent search led FWC officers to find the bodies of the two men and their two dogs on a levee adjacent to a canal, approximately 135 miles southeast of Tampa.
Official Investigation and Cause of Death
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the scene and have taken over the investigation into the deaths. While initial findings strongly suggest a lightning strike as the cause, the District 10 Medical Examiner’s office will officially confirm the precise cause and time of death. Investigators believe the fatal lightning strike occurred on Monday evening, indicating the men may have been caught in a severe storm while on their hunting excursion.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as 38-year-old Alexander Karl Getz and 31-year-old Peter James Stansky, both residents of Miami. The loss of their two German Shorthaired Pointers, who were also killed in the incident, adds another layer of heartbreak to the tragedy.
Florida: The Lightning Capital
Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman issued a stern warning about the perils of lightning in Florida, emphasizing that the region experiences frequent and intense strikes, particularly during the summer months. “Our area gets more lightning than just about anywhere else in the country,” Sheriff Blackman stated. He stressed the critical importance of heeding weather warnings, noting that if thunder can be heard, lightning is close enough to pose a danger, even if the sky appears clear.
Florida is widely recognized as the “lightning capital” of the United States, with a history of numerous lightning-related injuries and fatalities. Over the past 50 years, more than 2,000 lightning-related injuries have been reported in the state. These recent deaths bring the total number of lightning fatalities in the U.S. for 2025 to 18, according to National Weather Service data.
Lightning Safety Precautions
In light of this tragic event, authorities are reiterating crucial lightning safety tips. The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors in a fully enclosed building. If caught outdoors, seeking immediate shelter in a hard-topped vehicle is advised. It is essential to avoid open fields, tall isolated trees, and bodies of water, as these locations can be particularly dangerous during a storm. Inside, safety measures include staying away from windows and corded electronic devices, and postponing activities involving plumbing, such as showering or washing dishes.
The current affairs in Highlands County serve as a somber reminder of nature’s power and the necessity of respecting severe weather conditions. This news from Miami and Central Florida underscores the ongoing risks associated with outdoor recreation in lightning-prone areas and the importance of preparedness. The investigation is ongoing, with the medical examiner expected to release further details regarding the exact cause and time of death for Alexander Getz and Peter Stansky.
This incident is a profound loss for the Miami community and a stark reminder for all of Florida’s residents and visitors to prioritize safety during storm seasons. The news serves as a critical update on current events impacting local areas.
