WILMINGTON — Over the Independence Day weekend, authorities were dispatched near Masonboro Island after receiving a call that someone had been struck by lightning.
The National Lightning Safety Council has identified the victim as William Friend, a 33-year-old male.
ALSO: Memorial fund launched to honor lightning-strike victim William Friend, husband of ‘One Tree Hill’ star
Around 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 3, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and the Wilmington Police Department marine units responded to the call, according to NHCSO Lt. Jerry Brewer.
The marine unit is a joint task force of both departments. WPD Lt. Leslie Irving said the boat was patrolling near the island when the call came in.
“Really our role was just transportation,” Brewer confirmed.
As authorities arrived, Friend was unconscious aboard a boat. Brewer said he was not sure of Friend’s location when he was struck by lightning.
“I couldn’t tell you if he was on the island or if he was on a boat,” Brewer said.
Officers moved Friend onto the marine unit boat and rendered CPR, while transporting him to Bradley Creek Marina to meet EMS crews. Medical officials then continued CPR but eventually pronounced Friend deceased.
It’s the third fatality in 2022 due to lightning, according to NLSC. It lists Friend was near the beach doing “beach activities.”
Around 23 people die per year on a 10-year average according to the council. Over the last decade, 2021 had the least amount of deaths recorded at 11, while 2016 had the most at 40. A little over 200 lightning-strike injuries are reported annually out of 332 million people in the U.S.
North Carolina ranks in the top 20 states over the last decade to experience lightning-strike fatalities. Being outdoors during thunderstorms increases the odds, NLSC notes.
NLSC advises checking weather patterns closely before venturing outdoors to ensure safety and to follow below tips if caught in a storm unexpectedly:
- Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top
- Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees
- If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members
- If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area — a tent offers no protection
- Stay away from water and wet items (towels), as well as metal objects (fences and poles), which do not attract lightning but are conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.
Have comments or tips? Email info@portcitydaily.com.
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
