Karmactive Staff
Tejal SomvanshiA lightning bolt struck the Black Knight Bow Benders archery range in Jackson Township, New Jersey around 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, killing a volunteer instructor and injuring 13 others, including eight children from a local Cub Scout pack.
Robert Montgomery, 61, died after the lightning strike at the facility located on the 600 block of Perrineville Road in Ocean County, about three miles from Six Flags Great Adventure.
Eyewitnesses reported no rain was falling at the archery range at the time of the strike, despite active storms in the region.
“It hit this tree… the dirt flew up, and one of the club members… got thrown up against the tree,” said Gene Grodzki, who witnessed the strike, according to 6ABC Philadelphia.
The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Ocean County at the time, and scattered storms were moving through the region, similar to conditions seen in other major lightning events around the world.
Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina expressed shock about the circumstances, telling reporters: “This is such a tragedy… It’s difficult to understand what happened,” as reported by WABC and other local media outlets.
The lightning affected participants at an event that included members of Jackson Cub Scout Pack 204. According to police reports and statements from local officials, eight of the victims were juveniles between the ages of 7 and 17.
Montgomery was serving as a volunteer instructor at the range during the incident.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, administering CPR to several victims and using defibrillators on two others. Mayor Reina credited their swift actions, noting that at least one person was successfully revived at the scene.
The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, primarily Jersey Shore University Medical Center. One victim was transferred to Livingston Burn Center due to the severity of their burns.
Injuries among the survivors included burns and temporary unconsciousness, with some victims reporting they were “not feeling well,” according to multiple news reports.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy addressed the tragedy on social media, writing: “Please pray for everyone involved in this tragic incident,” acknowledging the fatality and expressing concern for those injured.
“It’s difficult to understand what happened,” Mayor Reina told reporters, praising the quick response of emergency personnel from Jackson Township and surrounding communities.
The rapid mobilization of emergency services mirrors responses seen in other extreme weather emergencies, where quick action is critical to saving lives.
This incident marks the 12th lightning death in the United States in 2025 and the second in New Jersey this year. The first New Jersey fatality occurred on July 8, when golfer Simon Mariani was struck by lightning in Hamburg, NJ.
New Jersey has recorded 18 lightning deaths since 2006, according to weather safety records.
The National Weather Service regularly notes that lightning can strike miles from a storm’s center and advises moving indoors at the first sign of thunder. No place outside is considered safe when thunderstorms are in the area.
Lightning strikes can cause devastating damage beyond human casualties, as seen in recent wildfires sparked by lightning.
The tragedy has deeply affected the Jackson Township community, particularly those connected to the Cub Scout pack and the archery club.
Black Knight Bow Benders has been a popular destination for archery enthusiasts and educational programs in the area.
As the community begins to process this tragedy, local officials have urged residents to stay alert to weather warnings and take proper precautions during thunderstorm season, especially as extreme weather events become more common across the country.For the latest updates on severe weather patterns affecting the United States and globally, residents can follow live weather coverage.
