The unfortunate event took place in Vilano Beach, St. Johns County, Florida, while a man and his son were out for a kiteboarding session in stormy conditions. Kai Weltzien, the son, a 14 years old rider, suffered light injuries, while his father, Falk Weltzein was left in critical condition after being knocked unconscious by a bolt of lightning.

The lightning struck while they were still on the beach. It seems that the metal harness on Falk’s body attracted the lightning. His son immediately called the authorities when his father fell on the sand, although he was afflicted too.
Frank was immediately transported to the Flagler Hospital. Although he was transported to the hospital in critical condition, he will recover, as his health is fortunately already improving. The younger rider was already released from hospital.

Officials from the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office stated: "They were on the beach, they were being attended to by several bystanders when we arrived on scene, began treatment of the patient. […]As best we could tell, the individual did sustain a lightning strike, the other was in the general area, didn't really have many signs or symptoms but was basically transported as a precautionary patient."

We hope the two of them fully recover and they will be more cautious next time, but won’t quit kiteboarding due to this terrible event.