Two teenage friends both die after being struck by lightning on fishing trip

Two teenage friends have died after they were struck by lightning during a post-graduation fishing trip.

Joey Nelson Jr, 18, and Randall Martin III, 19, from Waycross, close to the Florida-Georgia border, were found dead near a car at about 10:15pm on Thursday night. The recent Ware County High School graduates had set off on a fishing trip when strong storms tore through the area. Their bodies were found by distraught family members after the pair had failed to return home, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI) said. The bureau said family members had alerted emergency services following the discovery.

"The preliminary investigation indicates that Nelson and Martin were fishing when they were overtaken by a severe thunderstorm," a bureau press release said. "As they were returning to their car, they were struck by lightning. The car also appeared to be struck by lightning."

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The GBI Medical Examiner's Office in Pooler, Georgia, will complete an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death. Nelson's family said he was "full of promise" and was "deeply loved by his family."

In a GoFundMe campaign, set up following his death, his family said: "It is with profound sorrow that we share the tragic passing of Joey Nelson Jr. (JB) who was taken from us far too soon on July 10, 2025, after being struck by lightning following a summer storm.

"JB was a proud graduate of the Ware County High School Class of 2025, full of promise and deeply loved by his family, friends, and community. His sudden loss has left an unfillable void in the hearts of all who knew him.

"This fund has been created to help support JB's family during this heartbreaking time with funeral expenses and other unforeseen costs. Any contribution, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated."

As of Wednesday evening, the GoFundMe campaign has raised $12,160 (£9,060) out of a $14,000 (£10,432) target. Martin's family also started a GoFundMe to held pay for the teen's funeral.

The fundraiser said: "We are heartbroken by the devastating passing of our beloved Randall Darnell Martin III, who was taken away from us on July 10, 2025, by doing something he loved (fishing) with his friend, where they were struck by lighting. He touched the lives of so many in different ways.

"In this difficult time, we are seeking any support or donations to help cover the expenses of the funeral arrangements and memorial services, which would allow us to honour his life in a way that he would have wanted. Any contributions , no matter how big or small would be incredibly appreciated and would help us in celebrating Randall’s legacy surrounded by family, friend's and classmates."