Tragedy struck in Union Parish, Louisiana, after a 17-year-old boy was fatally struck by lightning during a weekend hunting trip. The victim, identified as Colton Gauge Honeycutt, was found dead in an elevated deer stand on Saturday.
According to WWLTV, deputies and paramedics responded to a call about an injured person in a wooded area near Weldon, Louisiana. When first responders arrived, they discovered Honeycutt had been struck by lightning during severe storms that had passed through the region earlier that day.
Authorities said that Honeycutt’s family grew concerned after he failed to return home from his hunting trip, prompting them to contact law enforcement. By the time emergency crews reached the scene, the teen had already succumbed to his injuries. Officials believe he died instantly after lightning struck the elevated stand.
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Authorities Confirm Cause of Death Amid Severe Weather
The Union Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Honeycutt’s death was weather-related, emphasizing the risks that come with outdoor activities during storm conditions. Authorities stated that no foul play is suspected in the incident. The area had been experiencing heavy thunderstorms at the time of the accident, with lightning activity reported throughout the afternoon.
Honeycutt’s passing marks the 20th lightning-related death in the United States this year and the first in Louisiana, according to national weather reports.
