Robert Wirt-2015 U.S Lightning Deaths

Link: http://www.weather.com/storms/severe/news/united-states-lightning-deaths-2015

18 people have died from lightning strikes in the United States in 2015. While being able to reach 50,000 degrees (F) Lightning however is only fatal to about 10% of those struck.

2015 Lightning Deaths:

• Florida: One death in Bonita Springs on May 13 and another in Port Orange on June 26.
• Iowa: One death in Moscow on May 4 and another near Palo on June 20.
• North Carolina: Two deaths total on April 9. One in Cary and another in Anderson Creek.
• New Mexico: One death in Carrizozo on May 15.
• West Virginia: One death in Fayetteville on June 1.
• Arkansas: One death in Benton County on June 13.
• Florida: One death in Largo on June 19.
• Alabama: Two deaths total on June 23 in Opp. 
• Arizona: One death on June 27 in Mogollon Rim, Northern Arizona and another in Benson on June 30 
• Texas: One death on July 2, victim initially struck May 21 in Port Lavaca 
• Alabama: 12-year-oil girl passed away July 7, after being struck by lightning on July 5.
• South Dakota: One death on Juy 12 on a disc golf course in Spearfish.

"NOAA says that during the 10-year period of 2004-2013, 33 people were killed and 234 were injured by lightning strikes annually."

Lightning strikes the roof of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Feb. 11, 2013, hours after Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation, effective Feb. 28, as leader of the world's 1.1 billion Catholics.