Mike Morgan : "Jackson County Rancher Loses 34 Cows to Lightning Strike"

– Rancher cows killed by lightning in Jackson County
– Lightning strikes kill cows in Jackson County ranch.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

A devastating incident occurred over the Memorial Day weekend in Jackson County, Colorado, as a rancher and 34 head of cattle were struck by lightning and tragically killed. The incident took place in Rand, Colorado, where 51-year-old rancher Mike Morgan was feeding his cattle when lightning struck, resulting in the loss of both the livestock and the rancher.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received the distressing call at 2:08 p.m. on Saturday and promptly responded to the scene. Despite the efforts of bystanders and first responders to provide life-saving assistance, Morgan succumbed to his injuries at the ranch.

Expressing condolences to the family and friends of the rancher, the JCSO issued a statement acknowledging the difficulty of the situation and offering support during this challenging time.

Colorado’s High Rates of Lightning Deaths and Injuries

Colorado has been noted for having one of the highest rates of lightning-related deaths and injuries among all U.S. states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over the years, the state has seen a significant number of incidents involving lightning strikes, with Jackson County now added to the list.

Although records from the National Weather Service indicate no previous lightning-related deaths in Jackson County from 1980 to 2021, neighboring counties such as El Paso and Larimer have reported the highest number of injuries and fatalities due to lightning strikes over the years.

To stay safe during lightning storms, the NWS recommends seeking shelter indoors and avoiding water, windows, porches, concrete, and electrical equipment. Despite the common belief that being indoors provides protection from lightning strikes, there have been instances where individuals have been struck while inside their homes.

As Colorado continues to face the risks associated with lightning storms, it is crucial for residents to prioritize safety measures and remain vigilant during severe weather conditions. Our thoughts go out to the affected individuals and communities as they navigate this tragic loss.