A young roofer lost his life while working on a residential roof in Deltona, Florida, when he was struck by lightning.
Edvin Cinto, 24, was the victim of a lightning strike witnessed by his co-workers during a regular, otherwise normal workday.
The victim’s fellow workers immediately called 911. One caller provided details to the authorities, explaining that a man had fallen from the roof and seemed to be unconscious. Another distressed caller said that the person had been struck by lightning.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the responding officers found Cinto with a distinct odor of singed hair. Additionally, one of his socks had melted onto his foot. Despite attempts to save him, Cinto had already succumbed to the effects of the lightning strike.
Cinto’s cousin, Cesario Cinto, remembered him as a dedicated and hardworking person.
The incident occurred under clear skies with no rain.
Cinto’s grieving relatives face the daunting task of returning his body to his native Guatemala for a proper burial. They posted a fundraising campaign to gather the necessary funds to honor their loved one’s final wishes.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) promptly initiated an investigation into the incident.