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Disney College Program Cast Member Dies Following Lightning Strike
We are deeply saddened to report devastating news from Central Florida. A young Disney College Program participant has passed away following a lightning strike earlier this week.
According to local reports from WESH 2, 19-year-old Matthew Eric Jenkins of Shelby Township, Michigan, was found unresponsive on Tuesday evening, September 8, in downtown Celebration, Florida.
Witnesses noted that several people were seeking shelter from a sudden, heavy rainstorm near a walking path behind a hotel on Bloom Street. Lightning struck the area, and bystanders quickly noticed that Jenkins had collapsed moments later.
Good Samaritans, including witness Felipe Costa and a female bystander, immediately rushed to Jenkins’ side and performed CPR until emergency first responders arrived on the scene.
Jenkins was transported to nearby Celebration Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead.
Speaking with local news, Jenkins’ father shared that his son had just moved to Central Florida last week to begin his journey with the Disney College Program. His family expressed immense gratitude to the bystanders and first responders who stepped in to try and save his life.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office noted that an official cause of death remains under investigation.
Our heartfelt thoughts, condolences, and prayers go out to Matthew’s family, friends, loved ones, and fellow Cast Members during this incredibly difficult time.
