Tragic Incident: 61-Year-Old Man Killed by Lightning Strike
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July 20, 2025Tragic Incident: 61-Year-Old Man Killed by Lightning Strike
Tragic Incident: 61-Year-Old Man Killed by Lightning Strike in Ocean County
Acccording to Jackson Township Police Department, a Burlington County resident has been identified as the 61-year-old man who died Wednesday night after being struck by lightning at an archery range in Jackson.
Before first responders came, members of the archery facility conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Robert Montgomery of Cinnaminson, but he passed away from his wounds, according to Jackson Lt. Fred Meabe.
In addition to not feeling well, 14 other people—including a number of children—were also hit and sustained burns and pain complaints, according to Meabe. He added that another individual who had been unconscious but subsequently recovered consciousness was one of those 14.
The strike resulted in a significant burn to one victim, who was transported to the Cooperman Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston. According to Meabe, the others were sent to CentraState Medical Center in Freehold Township and Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for medical care.
The lightning strike happened shortly after 7 p.m. during an outing at the Black Knight Bowbenders Archery Range on Perrineville Road that Meabe said was organized and attended by members of Jackson Cub Scout Pack 204.
Located on a 50-acre property that backs up to Six Flags Great Adventure, the archery range is a private club for members only. According to its website, the club hosts a number of diverse archery competitions all year long.
About 30 minutes prior to the National Weather Service issuing a severe thunderstorm warning for the region, the lightning strike occurred.
In addition to Hatzolah of Central Jersey, paramedics from RW Barnabas Health System and Atlantic Health Systems responded, as did emergency medical services from Jackson, Toms River, Howell, Plumsted, Freehold Township, and Millstone.
Jackson Fire District 2 and the Cassville Volunteer Fire Company also responded, he said.
