NewsUS NewsLightning strikesMichael Aidan Vargas was with his dad on the Blackwater River, about 170 miles west of Tallahassee, in Florida, when he was struck by lightning - his body was later recovered from the water16:00, 03 Jun 2026Updated 16:07, 03 Jun 2026An 18-year-old kayaker died after he was thrown into a river by a freak lightning strike in Florida.‌Michael Aidan Vargas was with his dad on the Blackwater River in Santa Rosa County, about 170 miles west of Tallahassee, on Sunday when the tragedy happened.‌His father and employees from the Navy's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programme watched as Vargas fell into the water but they could not save him.‌They searched for the body and were joined by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) who were notified at 12.25pm.Article continues belowThis is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link . You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Lightning strikesBreaking News