In Reply to: clickable link: Diver Dies When Lightning Strikes Tank posted by on July 23, 2007 at 11:04:10:

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. -- The diver killed when lightning struck his SCUBA tank Sunday died of electrocution, according to the Broward Medical Examiner.

Investigators said that lightning hit the diver's air tank as he was surfacing.

Stephen Wilson, 36, of Deerfield Beach, was pulled out of the Atlantic Ocean by other divers on the boat and rushed to shore. Wilson had surfaced about 30 feet from the boat when lightning struck his tank, said Deerfield Beach Fire Chief Gary Fernaays.

"We saw the paramedics arrive. There were about three trucks and they were trying to resuscitate the man," said Christoper Virtue, who witnessed the accident.

Wilson was later pronounced dead at North Broward Medical Center.

An autopsy determined that Wilson died from electrocution and not drowning.

A severe thunderstorm warning had been in effect in the area.