A lightning strike at an archery range in Jackson Township, New Jersey, has left one man dead and 13 others injured, including multiple children, during a Cub Scout event held Wednesday evening.
Police confirmed the deceased as 61-year-old Robert Montgomery, a resident of Cinnaminson Township. The incident took place at the Black Knight Bowbenders Archery Club, where an outdoor archery activity was being hosted for local scouts and their families.
Authorities say the group was struck just after 7 p.m. as thunderstorms moved through the region. Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz reported that emergency crews arrived shortly after being alerted and found multiple victims in need of medical care. CPR was performed on at least one person at the scene. It remains unclear whether Montgomery was the recipient of that effort.
Among the injured were at least four children, one as young as seven. They suffered injuries ranging from minor burns to feelings of dizziness or disorientation. All were transported to nearby hospitals, including Jersey Shore University Medical Center and CentraState Medical Center. One individual with more serious injuries was transferred to the Livingston Burn Center for treatment of a severe burn caused by the strike.
The president of the archery club, Jerry Mindurski, confirmed that three adult instructors were also injured and that Montgomery was a long-standing member of the organization. He expressed sorrow and disbelief at the incident, saying he was praying for the victims and their families.
At the time of the strike, thunderstorms were affecting large parts of the eastern and central United States, including New Jersey. Jackson Township, located roughly 30 miles east of Trenton, was under a weather advisory for lightning and heavy rain. Meteorologists had warned of fast-moving storms and urged residents to remain indoors.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy acknowledged the event in a statement posted to social media. He asked residents to keep the affected families in their thoughts, noting he had been fully briefed on the situation.
Lightning safety experts continue to urge the public to take all thunderstorm warnings seriously. Outdoor activities, particularly those involving large groups of people, should be suspended immediately when storms approach. According to the National Weather Service, lightning is responsible for dozens of deaths annually in the U.S. and causes hundreds of injuries, many of which occur during recreational events.
The archery club has since suspended all activities as the investigation continues. Emergency services and local authorities are working to determine the full extent of the injuries and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, where residents are rallying to support those affected. Many have called for increased awareness and protocols for outdoor youth activities in the face of extreme weather events.
As weather patterns continue to grow more unpredictable, officials emphasize the importance of preparedness and swift action when storms arise. The devastating incident serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s power—and the importance of putting safety first.
