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🌩️ Dream Honeymoon Turns to Tragedy: Jake Rosencranz Killed by Lightning at Florida Beach
What began as a long-overdue celebration of love ended in unimaginable heartbreak for Jake and Leah Rosencranz.
Jake, 29, had finally embarked on a long-postponed honeymoon with his wife Leah—a peaceful retreat to Florida after years spent building a joyful life together in Colorado. But on June 21, while standing in ankle-deep water at New Smyrna Beach, Jake was suddenly and fatally struck by lightning, becoming Florida’s first lightning-related fatality of 2025.
⚡ A Day That Changed Everything
The couple had chosen the scenic 27th Avenue Beach, a quiet stretch just south of Daytona Beach, to enjoy the ocean breeze. Jake stood in the shallow surf when, with no warning, a bolt of lightning arced from a storm still forming miles away. The sky above remained deceptively calm.
According to FOX 35’s radar data, more than 170 lightning strikes were detected in the area around 12:30 p.m.—one of which struck Jake directly.
“He was just standing in shallow water, enjoying the beach, when it happened,” said Tammy Malphurs of Volusia County Beach Safety. Lifeguards rushed to help, administering CPR on the sand before Jake was transported to AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach in critical condition. Despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries later that day.
A Life Built on Love and Adventure
Originally from Weston, Massachusetts, Jake had grown into a man known for his warmth, humor, and deep love for the outdoors. He and Leah lived in Frisco, Colorado, where they made the most of every season—hiking in the summers, skiing in the winters, and exploring the Rockies with their dog, Bonnie.
The two first met in a high school chemistry class—an unlikely spark that turned into a lifelong bond. They married in July 2023 at the picturesque Arapahoe Basin, where snowy peaks framed a celebration filled with love, laughter, and close friends.
Their honeymoon had been delayed due to work and life responsibilities. Florida was meant to be a reset—a time to reflect on their shared journey and dream of the years ahead. Grief, Support, and a Community in Mourning
Jake’s sudden death has devastated all who knew him. Leah, his wife of less than a year, now faces a future without the man she had grown up with and built a life beside.
In response, Leah’s brother, David Curtis, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her during this painful chapter. “He was the best husband to my sister,” Curtis wrote in a tribute. “His love, his energy, his kindness—it’s irreplaceable.”
The fundraiser, which aims to raise $75,000, will help cover medical costs and support Leah as she navigates the emotional and financial aftermath.
The tragedy struck more than one location that day—two others were reportedly injured by lightning at the nearby Venetian Bay Golf Course. Their conditions remain undisclosed.
A County Remembers
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood shared condolences on social media:
“Such a tragic and senseless loss. Jake had his whole life ahead of him. Our hearts go out to Leah and all who loved him.”
As communities in Colorado, Massachusetts, and Florida process this loss, Jake’s story stands as a sobering reminder of nature’s power—and of how fleeting life can be.
Carrying Jake’s Spirit Forward
Jake Rosencranz leaves behind a legacy of joy, resilience, and quiet strength. In the mountains of Colorado and the waves of New Smyrna Beach, his memory lives on. Though his life was cut tragically short, those who knew him are determined to honor his adventurous spirit—with love, purpose, and enduring support for Leah.