A dedicated corrections officer and Marine Corps veteran lost his life in a lightning strike while fishing, becoming the first lightning fatality of 2025 and highlighting the dangers of outdoor recreation during storms.
At a Glance
- Santonio Catoe, 39, was struck by lightning while fishing in North Carolina on April 11, 2025
- The corrections officer and Marine veteran was fishing with his son when the tragedy occurred
- Fishing is the leading cause of lightning fatalities in the U.S. since 2006, with 44 deaths
- A second fishing-related lightning death occurred in Mississippi shortly after
- Safety experts urge people to seek indoor shelter immediately upon hearing thunder
Tragedy Strikes Dedicated Public Servant
Santonio Catoe, a 39-year-old corrections officer from Maury, North Carolina, became the first lightning fatality in the United States this year after being struck while fishing on April 11, 2025. Catoe was fishing with his son and others at North East Creek Park near Jacksonville when lightning struck, throwing him from the boat.
Despite immediate rescue efforts, Catoe was unresponsive when pulled from the water and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The dedicated public servant worked at Eastern Correctional Institution and previously served as a K-9 officer at Neuse Correctional Institution in Goldsboro.
Catoe leaves behind a significant legacy of service. Before his career in corrections, he served his country as a U.S. Marine. Known as an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, Catoe is survived by his wife and four children. A funeral service has been held to honor his memory, and a GoFundMe page has been established to provide financial support for his family during this difficult time. His sudden and tragic death has deeply affected both his immediate family and the law enforcement community where he served.
A Dangerous Pattern
Catoe’s death highlights a concerning pattern of lightning-related fatalities associated with outdoor recreational activities. Shortly after the North Carolina incident, a second fishing-related lightning death occurred in Mississippi. “Police say a fisherman was struck by lightning while out in the Goshen area, according to WLBT-TV,” as reported by FOX Weather. These two incidents underscore the significant risks that come with fishing during stormy weather, a danger that many enthusiasts may underestimate until tragedy strikes.
According to weather safety data, fishing has emerged as the leading cause of lightning fatalities in the United States since 2006, with 44 deaths directly linked to the activity. Other high-risk outdoor activities include beach recreation, boating, and farming. On average, 20 people lose their lives to lightning strikes in the United States each year. Summer months prove particularly dangerous due to the combination of increased outdoor activities and more frequent thunderstorm activity across many regions of the country.
Staying Safe During Storm Season
The cardinal rule for lightning safety is simple but often overlooked: if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Many fatalities occur because people wait too long to seek shelter, believing the storm is still far away or that the risk is minimal. Fishing enthusiasts are particularly vulnerable as they are often in open areas near water, which can conduct electricity.
Additionally, holding fishing rods can increase the risk of being struck. When planning outdoor activities, checking weather forecasts beforehand and having a lightning safety plan can make the difference between life and death.
