VOLUSIA COUNTY, FL — A joyous honeymoon turned into an unimaginable tragedy when 29-year-old Jake Rosencranz, a newlywed from Colorado, was fatally struck by lightning while swimming with his wife off the coast of Volusia County, Florida.

The devastating incident occurred shortly before 12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 21, as the couple enjoyed their beachside vacation. According to authorities, a sudden lightning strike hit the water nearby, fatally injuring Jake as his wife watched in horror.

Emergency responders acted quickly, pulling Jake from the ocean and rushing him to shore, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife escaped physical harm but was left deeply traumatized by the loss.

Jake and his wife had recently tied the knot and traveled from Colorado to celebrate the start of their life together with what was meant to be a peaceful, love-filled honeymoon on Florida’s coast.

Volusia County Beach Safety officials confirmed that storm activity had been increasing in the area just before the strike, with weather alerts issued as conditions worsened. Authorities continue to warn beachgoers of the dangers posed by Florida’s sudden and severe summer storms.

Jake is remembered by family and friends as a vibrant and compassionate man, full of adventurous spirit and a warm smile. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through his Colorado community and beyond.

A family spokesperson shared, “Jake lived with a lightness and joy that touched everyone he met. He was doing what he loved—traveling, exploring, and being with the woman he adored. This loss is immeasurable.”

As loved ones prepare to mourn and honor Jake’s memory, they ask for privacy and prayers for his wife during this heartbreaking time.

Jake Rosencranz’s life, though tragically cut short, will be remembered as a shining reminder of how precious and fragile every moment truly is. May he rest in peace.