Jake Rosencranz: Tragedy strikes as groom killed by lightning on Florida honeymoon

Tragedy has literally struck a young married couple on their honeymoon after the groom was hit by lightning and killed in Florida.

Local authorities confirmed that at around 12.30pm (local time) last Friday, Colorado native Jake Rosencranz, 29, was in the ocean at New Smyrna Beach when he was hit with the lethal bolt of electricity.

According to reports from Volusia County Beach Safety, Mr Rosencranz suffered the fatal blow while standing in ankle deep water, before being rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died.

“The storm was still miles away from the beach, making the strike an extremely rare occurrence,” Volusia County Beach Safety Director Tammy Malphurs said in a statement to WESH.

“It was clear blue sky, and the storm was like miles away from us,” said another witness, according to the New York Post.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood confirmed Mr Rosencranz was visiting Florida with his new bride when the tragic incident occurred.

“So sorry for the tragic loss of a young man here on a delayed honeymoon with his wife,” Chitwood said in an e-statement on social media.

“At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her for years to come.

“Sending sincere condolences to this young woman on behalf of all of us in Volusia County who were hoping against hope that the diligent efforts of our lifeguards, EMS team and ER staff would bring him back to her,” Mr Chitwood added.

Authorities also confirmed that at least two other people were struck by lightning in the same storm near New Smyrna Beach.

A round of golf was thrown into chaos when lightning also hit two players at Florida’s Venetian Bay Golf Course, with reports stating that luckily, neither golfer had been seriously injured.