A young man participating in the Disney College Program has tragically passed away following a lightning strike earlier this week. Matthew Eric Jenkins, 19 years old from Shelby Township, Michigan, was found unresponsive on Tuesday evening, September 8, in downtown Celebration, Florida. Witnesses reported that several people were seeking shelter from a sudden heavy rainstorm near a walking path behind a hotel on Bloom Street when the incident occurred. Lightning struck the area and Jenkins collapsed moments later. Good Samaritans including witness Felipe Costa and a female bystander immediately rushed to his side and performed CPR until emergency first responders arrived. Jenkins was transported to nearby Celebration Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His father shared that his son had just moved to Central Florida last week to begin his journey with the Disney College Program. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office noted that an official cause of death remains under investigation. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Matthew’s family, friends, loved ones, and fellow Cast Members during this incredibly difficult time.
Key Points:
- 19-year-old Matthew Eric Jenkins of Shelby Township, Michigan was found unresponsive on Tuesday evening, September 8 in downtown Celebration, Florida
- Jenkins had just moved to Central Florida last week to begin his journey with the Disney College Program
- Several people were seeking shelter from a sudden heavy rainstorm near a walking path behind a hotel on Bloom Street when lightning struck the area
- Good Samaritans including witness Felipe Costa and a female bystander immediately rushed to Jenkins’ side and performed CPR until emergency first responders arrived
- Jenkins was transported to nearby Celebration Hospital where he was pronounced dead
- The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office noted that an official cause of death remains under investigation