Tragedy in Louisiana: A Teen Hunter Killed by Lightning

On October 18, 2025, a 17-year-old boy was reportedly struck and killed by lightning while in an elevated deer stand near Bernice, Louisiana. Authorities are investigating, but according to local reports, the victim was in a deer stand when a thunderstorm moved in.

This incident brings the U.S. total of lightning-related deaths this year to 20, the highest since 2019.

What the Data Say: The U.S. Hits 20 Lightning Deaths in 2025

According to the National Lightning Safety Council (NLSC), official tallies show 20 U.S. lightning fatalities in 2025 so far.

Historically, the U.S. averages about 20 lightning deaths per year.