Tragedy struck off the coast of Florida when a devoted father of four, Steve Matheson, lost his life after being struck by lightning while jet skiing. The incident occurred on Saturday, 30 August, around 6:35 p.m. near Fort De Soto, as Matheson attempted to assist a group of stranded boaters.
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Officials from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Matheson, a resident of Saratoga Springs, Utah, was jet skiing with a companion when they noticed the nearby boat in distress. Despite an approaching storm, Matheson chose to lend a helping hand. Witnesses reported that shortly after he offered assistance, lightning struck the area, resulting in his fatal injuries.
Tragically, despite immediate medical attention and transport to a local hospital, Matheson succumbed to his injuries. His cousin, Marianne Matheson Shuman, shared details about his character, stating, “Even in his last moments he was helping and serving strangers. He would have it no other way.” Her words encapsulate the spirit of a man who was always willing to help others, regardless of the circumstances.
Marianne described Matheson as someone who was not only unafraid of expressing his love for his family but also took joy in creating connections with those around him. “He loved big,” she said, adding that the loss would be profoundly felt by all who knew him. “His wife was his world; his kids were his world. They were his number one.”
The community has rallied around Matheson’s family during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support his wife, Abbie, and their four children with funeral expenses and other financial burdens. April Beck, a friend of the family, poignantly described Matheson on the crowdfunding platform, stating he was a “wonderful man, devoted husband, and loving father.”
Beck highlighted the deep bond Matheson shared with his wife and children, noting, “He absolutely adored his wife, Abbie, and his four children. His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished every moment he was able to spend with them.” It was clear that Matheson placed his family at the centre of his existence, fully engaging with them in love and support.
In addition to being a dedicated family man, Matheson was actively involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to Beck, his faith was integral to who he was and how he navigated life. “His love for his family was evident in the way he treated others and the life he chose to live,” she reflected on the GoFundMe page.
As both friends and family come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, Marianne Matheson Shuman echoed the sentiments of many when she stated that there are “no words” that can accurately convey the impact of Steve Matheson’s untimely passing on his wife and children. His legacy of kindness and devoted service to others is one that will resonate deeply within his community and loved ones for years to come.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, as well as the selfless spirit many individuals possess, like that of Matheson. In helping strangers even in the face of impending danger, he exemplified the very best of human kindness, leaving behind a void that will be hard to fill. As tributes pour in, the family’s grief is met with an overwhelming show of love and support from those who knew him, commemorating a life well-lived in service of others.