LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah — A man died Saturday after he was struck by lightning while hiking in the mountains south of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office said that they received a report of someone getting hit by lightning near American Fork Twin Peaks, just south of Snowbird Resort, around noon.
Officials said two hikers, who were brothers, took the Snowbird tram and then set out for Twin Peaks — a hike that they had done several times before, according to the sheriff's office. They stopped at one point when they saw a storm coming in, then continued after about an hour because they didn't see any lightning.
They were near the summit of the east peak when one of the hikers collapsed — "appearing to be struck by lightning," officials wrote. The victim, 59-year-old Craig Nelson, died at the scene.
Nelson's brother returned to the tram area and found someone to call 911.
Sheriff Rosie Rivera shares new details about lightning strike incident:
A search and rescue team comprised of volunteers, sheriff's deputies, Unified Fire Authority, Snowbird Ski Patrol and Alta Marshals was sent out, along with the Utah Department of Public Safety's helicopter. They spotted the victim from the air, and then once the storm cleared, search and rescue personnel were able to reach the area, and the helicopter lifted him out.
“Our hearts go out to Mr. Nelson’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said
“We respectfully ask the public and the media to honor the family’s privacy," Sheriff Rosie Rivera said.
The sheriff's office took the opportunity to share safety tips for when thunderstorms develop while hiking:
- Head to lower elevations immediately and avoid exposed ridgelines and summits.
- Stay away from isolated trees, bodies of water, and other exposed areas.
- Set metal objects, including trekking poles and other gear, away from you if lightning is nearby.
- If you cannot reach shelter, crouch low with your feet together until the storm passes
