The community is mourning the loss of a selfless Utah father who died after being struck by lightning while assisting stranded boaters off the coast of Florida. Steve Matheson, a 47-year-old father of four, was jet skiing with a friend near Fort de Soto when the tragedy occurred.
As reported by the NY Post, while the pair had initially been heading toward the shoreline because of an approaching storm, they noticed a boat that had broken down and was in distress. Seeing that, Matheson stopped his jet ski to help the boaters despite the brewing weather.
As the storm intensified, the conditions became increasingly dangerous. His cousin, Marianne Matheson Shuman, explained that the tempest advanced to a point where it was virtually on top of Matheson before he could reach safety. She noted that “The lightning took him pretty quickly,” and emphasized that his actions were entirely consistent with his nature.
He was rushed to a local hospital
“Even in his last moments he was helping and serving strangers,” she said. “He would have it no other way.” After the strike, deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, and Matheson was reportedly rushed to a local hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Those who knew Matheson describe a man whose life was defined by service, faith, and a deep devotion to his family. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his faith played a significant role in his daily life and how he treated others.
His friend, April Beck, shared that his family was his greatest joy and that he cherished every moment he spent with them. “He was the kind of husband and father who loved deeply, showed up fully, and made his family the center of his world,” Beck said. “His love for his family and his faith were evident in the way he treated others and the life he chose to live.”
Beyond his immediate family, Matheson was known for his willingness to assist friends and neighbors at any time. Mitch Faas, a friend who frequently worked with Matheson, recalled how he was always the first to show up when help was needed, such as when they were moving fireworks for the Pioneer Day holiday.
Another friend, Aaron Boone, reflected on their shared interests in football and competition, noting that Matheson was a diehard fan of Brigham Young University Cougars football. Boone also shared a poignant memory of how Matheson treated others with kindness, specifically recalling how he supported Boone’s father after he passed away a few years ago.
As the family navigates this loss, they are facing unexpected financial challenges, including the costs associated with bringing Matheson back to Utah for funeral services. A GoFundMe page has been established to provide support for his wife, Abbie, and their four children, which has already crossed $75,000.
Published: Sep 1, 2026 07:00 pm