Lightning Kills Disney College Intern Days After Move to Florida

A 20-year-old Disney College Program intern was tragically killed by a lightning strike just days after moving to Florida to begin what was supposed to be an exciting new chapter of his life.

Matthew Eric Jenkins, of Michigan, was found unresponsive Tuesday evening near downtown Celebration, a community just outside Walt Disney World, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

Jenkins had been running in a park near the Celebration Hotel on Bloom Street when a sudden thunderstorm rolled into the area, according to a report from the Osceola County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Investigators said Jenkins apparently tried to escape the storm by taking shelter underneath a tree.

At around 6:30 p.m., witnesses who were also sheltering from the rain heard lightning strike nearby. Moments later, they noticed Jenkins lying on the ground.

Witness Felipe Costa said he immediately rushed toward the scene after realizing what had happened.

“As soon as I heard that, I started running and I came over here,” Costa told WESH. “That’s when I saw the man.”

Costa and others desperately tried to save Jenkins as they waited for emergency crews.

“There was a lady behind me. She came and started CPR also as soon as possible,” Costa said. “We were just waiting until the first responders got there.”

Paramedics arrived and rushed Jenkins to Celebration Hospital, where doctors continued extensive efforts to revive him.

He was ultimately pronounced dead.

Hospital staff later told the medical examiner that Jenkins appeared to have lightning exit wounds on his feet, according to documents obtained by the New York Post.

The tragedy came just days after Jenkins arrived in Florida to participate in the Disney College Program, which gives college students and recent graduates an opportunity to work and live near Walt Disney World.

Disney said Jenkins had only recently begun the program when his life was suddenly cut short.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Matthew,” a Disney spokesperson told the Post.

“He had just begun his Disney College Program journey, and will always be remembered as part of our Disney community,” the company said. “Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and Jenkins’ father did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.