Florida

Georgia Woman Dies After Lightning Strikes at Florida Beach

Authorities say a Georgia woman has died after being struck by lightning on a Florida beach.

Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue Capt. Tammy Marris tells The Daytona Beach News-Journal that Janika Gardner died before midnight Friday.

Marris says the 33-year-old woman was struck by a bolt of lightning while standing in shallow waters at the beach in Daytona Beach Shores, along with 41-year-old Russell Scott of Georgia and 55-year-old Anna Nikorak of Daytona Beach. Marris said Saturday that Scott remained hospitalized.

After being released from the hospital, Nikorak told WFTV that when the bolt of lightning hit them, there was a loud explosion and flash that made her head feel like it was ``going to explode.''

Gardner's and Scott's hometowns were not released.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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