A sudden lightning strike at the Black Knight Bowbenders archery range in the wooded acres near Jackson Township resulted in the death of one man and injuries to at least 13 others, including children, on Wednesday evening.
Reports of the strike were reported around 7:15 p.m., when township police received news that multiple people had been struck by lightning at the popular community club.
First responders arriving at the scene found club members administering CPR to at least one victim, Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz said in a statement.
The 61-year-old male victim, a club member helping with youth activities, ultimately died from his injuries. The youngest person injured was seven.
Those injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Their conditions were not released.
Authorities have not immediately released the names of the victims.
"Please pray for everyone involved in this tragic incident," Murphy said.
The National Weather Service had flagged the area for severe weather earlier Wednesday, including issuance of a severe thunderstorm warning. Scattered showers and storms were forecast through the evening.
The tragedy at the archery range follows closely on another deadly lightning-related incident in New Jersey this month. Simon John Mariani, 28, was struck by lightning while participating in a golf tournament at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hardyston on July 8, the Hardyston Township Police said in a statement to news outlets.
Mariani was remembered for his devotion to family and friends, professional excellence, and love of the outdoors. His online obituary notes that he recently completed a Master’s in Finance at Notre Dame and was working as an associate at MTS Health Partners in New York City at the time of his death.