A tragic incident occurred in Utah’s mountain range on Saturday, July 18, when a 59-year-old man, identified as Craig Nelson, died following a suspected lightning strike while hiking with his brother. The siblings had embarked on their climb of the American Fork Twin Peaks, a familiar route for them, amid changing weather conditions.
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The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported that the brothers began their hike early that day. Around 10:30 a.m., they paused for lunch, during which they observed storm clouds moving into the area. Although they noticed the deteriorating weather, they did not see any lightning at the time and decided to resume their ascent.
By approximately 11:40 a.m., they had reached a point near the Twin Peaks. Nelson’s brother reached the east peak first, and as the weather worsened, they opted to head back down. However, Craig Nelson pressed on towards the summit alone. Sadly, as he reached the top, he collapsed, apparently due to a lightning strike. His brother, positioned roughly 20 feet away, rushed back to the tram station to call for emergency assistance around 12:01 p.m.
In response to the emergency call, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team was dispatched and arrived at the scene shortly after, at 12:22 p.m. They responded to reports indicating someone had been struck by lightning near the summit of the east peak. A helicopter was deployed and quickly located Nelson; however, the rescue operation was hindered by the ongoing storm, forcing the team to wait until conditions improved.
Tragically, despite the speedy response from search and rescue teams, Craig Nelson did not survive the incident. Following the event, members of the Snowbird Ski Patrol played a crucial role in escorting his brother safely down the mountain. In a statement, the sheriff’s office expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends of Nelson, acknowledging the profound impact of this tragic loss.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera addressed the media on July 20, confirming that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident would remain open until the results of the autopsy were completed. Rivera used the opportunity to remind outdoor enthusiasts of the importance of being adequately prepared for sudden changes in weather while hiking.
“Check the forecast before you head out. Pay attention to changing weather conditions throughout your hike and be prepared to change your plans if storms move into the area,” the sheriff advised, emphasising the critical need for safety during outdoor adventures.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the need for hikers to remain vigilant regarding weather conditions. As the summer hiking season continues, authorities are urging individuals to exercise caution and stay informed about the forecast before taking to the trails.