Young golfer struck by lightning in a New Jersey field dies
Simon John Mariani, 28, was struck while playing with his father in an Iron Man tournament. He died days later in the hospital
Simon John Mariani, a 28-year-old golfer who was struck by lightning last week while playing at the Ballyowen course in Hamburg, New Jersey, died on Monday after days fighting for his life in a hospital.
The incident occurred on July 8, when Mariani was participating with his father in an Iron Man tournament, a golf competition that runs throughout the day. The impact occurred on the 15th hole, in the middle of an approaching storm, according to witnesses.
Desperate attempts to save him
Brian Delia, another golfer present on the course, told ABC New York's WABC network that he was on the 14th hole when he captured the storm clouds on video. After seeing the lightning, he ran to the clubhouse for safety.
Upon returning, he observed Mariani's father administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while other players performed CPR in an effort to keep him alive before emergency services arrived.
The Hardyston Police Department reported that they received a 911 call at approximately 1:53 p.m. and provided initial care to Mariani until paramedics transported him in a medical evacuation vehicle to a nearby hospital. However, despite medical efforts, the young man died several days later.
A bright young man beloved by his family
Mariani worked as an associate at MTS Health Partners in New York City. His obituary describes him as "motivated, dedicated, intelligent, and exceptionally talented." Additionally, they highlight her love for family, her passion for Taylor Swift's music, and her "heart of a champion."
She is survived by her parents, two sisters, and numerous relatives and friends, who, according to the obituary, "will always hold her memory in their hearts."