NWS Pueblo Lightning Page - Day by Day Statistics: 2000s

 

Colorado "Day By Day" Lightning Casualty Statistics - 2000 - 2009

 

Welcome to the Colorado "Day By Day" Lightning Casualty Statistics page, Lightning Casualty Statistics section of the Colorado Lightning Resource Page. This page list "day by day" lightning casualty statistics in text format for the entire state of Colorado from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2009. The date, time, location (county), gender, age and a brief description are listed for each lightning casualty. Data compiled from STORM DATA plus other sources. For official data, please contact the National Centers for Environmental Information. 

 

           2009

 

2009: October, November, December - None Reported.

 

2009: September

 

09 September 2009, 16:15 MST (1715 MDT), Arapahoe County: A man was critically injured when he was struck by lightning while riding his bicycle. He was nearing a paramedic van when he was hit. His heart stopped but paramedics quickly responded and were able to resuscitate him.

 

2009: August

 

03 August 2009, 12:00 MST (1300 MDT), Boulder County: A woman riding her bike in training for an Ironman Triathalon was struck by lightning. She was in the 78th mile of a 100-mile training ride when she was hit. Initially, she lost her vision and couldn't move her arms. After a short stay in the hospital, she made a full recovery.

 

2009: June

 

01 June 2009, 12:30 MST (1330 MDT), Rio Blanco County. Four men were golfing on the seventh green at the Cedar Ridges Golf Course in Rangely when a tree 15 to 20 yards away was struck by lightning. The charge from the lightning bolt traveled from the tree through the ground and struck the four golfers, blowing the golf clubs out of their hands and leaving them stunned for a period of time. They heard popping noises on the tops of their heads as the charge exited through their caps. One of the golfers felt like the hair on his head was on fire. The tree struck by lightning was split open and a large amount of bark was blown off. Information in this report was provided by one of the lightning strike victims.

 

05 June 2009, 19:45 MST (2045 MDT), Weld County: A man was killed by lightning while crossing an open field. The victim was struck behind the right ear; the bolt then exited out both of his ankles.

 

18 June 2009, 18:30 MST (1930 MDT), Weld County: A 41-yr old man was injured when he was struck by lightning on a golf course in Greeley. He was struck on the 13th hole and suffered burns to his body, but was alert and conscious when paramedics arrived. 

 

2009: May

 

25 May 2009, 13:12 MST (1412 MDT), Weld County: Two men were injured, one seriously, when they were struck by lightning while skeet shooting. The more seriously injured man was burned when the lightning struck his shotgun, causing it to explode in his hands.

 

2009 January, February, March, April - None Reported.

 

           2008

 

2008: July

 

03 July 2008, 1542 mst (1642 mdt), Custer County: A teenager was killed while riding a mountain bike with others on a county road in Custer County. 

 

06 July 2008, 1200 mst (1300 mdt), Pitkin County: A family of five from Idaho were all struck by lightning while hiking on the American Lake Trail, about 9.5 miles south of Aspen. A 15-year-old girl was revived by CPR. A 17-year-old boy was burned on the soles of his feet. The other 3 family members of the family were not affected by the flash. 

 

08 July 2008, 11:20 mst (12:20 mdt), Larimer County: Lightning struck near a group of 8 hikers at Rocky Mountain National Park. Three of them suffered minor injuries.

 

24 July 2008, 1830 mst (1930 mdt), Larimer County: Two graduate students who were under an area of tall pine trees were killed by lightning. One died immediately, the second passed away about 1 week later. 

 

28 July 2008, 1341 mst (1441 mdt) [time estimated], Mineral County: A sheepherder was killed by lightning at the headwaters of Oso Creek near the Continental Divide.

 

2008: June

 

24 June 2008, 1420 mst (1520 mdt), El Paso County: Two police officers were injured by the current of a nearby lightning flash which hit a lightstand in a sports complex. The two officers were taken to the hospital.

 

2008 January, February, March, April, May - None Reported.

 

          2007

 

2007: October, November, December - None Reported.

 

2007: September

 September 2007, 1758 mst (1858 mdt), El Paso County: Four people seeking shelter in a tent on a ridge along Gold Camp Road in western El Paso County were struck by lightning. One fatality occurred, and 3 other people were injured.

2007: August

19 August 2007, 1400 mst (1500 mdt), Lake County: A hiker was struck by lightning on the southeast face of Mt Elbert near treeline. he was treated at the scene by a doctor complaining of being sore back

2007: July

 

27 July 2007, 1700 mst (1800 mdt), Jefferson County: A man was struck and killed by lightning while jogging at Matthews Winter Park in Morrison.

2007: June

02 June 2007, 1330 mst (1430 mdt), El Paso County: A construction worker in Manitou Springs was injured by a lightning flash.

2007: May

22 May 2007, 1330 mst (1430 mdt), El Paso County: Lightning struck a house in northwest Colorado Springs, jolting a woman who was on a computer inside the home.

2007 January, February, March, April – None reported.

           2006

 

2006: October, November and December – None reported.

2006: September

 

07 September 2006, 1500 mst (1600 mdt); Montrose county: A 40-year-old male hunter was killed while scouting for game in the Spiny Creek area. He apparently sought shelter under a 12-foot juniper tree when thunderstorms moved into the area. The victim was found under the tree which had bark blown off from the lightning strike. The lightning obviously started a fire which was later extinguished by heavy rainfall. The victims’ location was 7 miles east-northeast of Uravan.

 

2006: August

31 August 2006, 1347 mst (1447 mdt); Adams county: Lightning injured a female postal worker while she was walking by a tree on the 7000 block of Beacon way in 

Westminster.

 

2006: July

 

02 July 2006, 1100 mst (1200 mdt); Huerfano county: Two male teenagers, 15 and 16 years old, were struck by lightning near the summit of the West Spanish Peak (6 miles east of Cuchara). One of the teenager's heart stopped, and the other (who was less seriously injured) performed CPR on him. The CPR revived the teen. Both then walked down the trail a distance before medical help arrived. The more seriously injured was flown by Flight For Life to Pueblo. No lasting injuries to either teen have been reported.

 

02 July 2006, 1745 mst (1845 mdt); Douglas county: Lightning struck a male teenager while mowing his lawn in Castle Rock. The teen suffered burns to his hands and feet, and had blood running from his ear when he was found. The victims' eardrums were ruptured and his hearing was damaged. The teen was wearing an Ipod when struck.

 

03 July 2006, 1220 mst (1320 mdt); Grand County: A man was hit in the head by lightning while golfing at Grand Elk Ranch and Golf Club golf course in Granby. His clothes were completely blown off by the flash and his body turned purple. His wife performed CPR immediately and was able to resuscitate him.

 

17 July 2006, 1330 mst (1430 mdt); Gunnison county: Seven hikers sought shelter under a lone tree above treeline at an elevation near 11,400 feet when lightning struck the tree. A 16-year-old boy leaning against the tree received the lightning charge which then dispersed across the ground affecting the rest of the group. The young boy leaning against the tree reportedly went into cardiac arrest, but was revived with CPR. A woman received burns on both legs. Four of the hikers were able to make it to Marble and summoned help. The group was located 4 miles east of Marble when the flash occurred. A dog which as with the group was killed.

 

19 July 2006, 1630 mst (1730 mdt); Teller county: A 17-year-old young man who was playing soccer in Woodland Park was struck and killed by lightning. 

 

19 July 2006, 1700 mst (1800 mdt); El Paso County: A male little league coach was struck by lightning in Fremont Park. Fremont Park is located 6 miles north-northeast of Colorado Springs.

 

27 July 2006, 1030 mst (1130 mdt); Teller county: Two teenage boys were hospitalized after a lightning strike occurred near them on Teller County Road 1 2 miles north-northwest of Cripple Creek. Neither was seriously injured.

2006 June:

 

8 June 2006, 1645 mst (1745 mdt); Jackson County: 26-year-old male was working on a barbed wire fence when thunderstorms approached. He picked up the barbed wire and was walking back to seek shelter. Lightning reportedly struck the fence, jumped to the barb wire that he was carrying, and he was killed.

 

11 June 2006, 1445 mst (1545 mdt); Adams county: a 39-year-old male was struck by lightning and killed while returning to his car at the Mile High Flea market.

 

21 June 2006, 1615 mst (1715 mdt); Adams County: A 46-year-old man on a motorcycle was struck y lightning and killed. The motorcyclist was struck on in Westminster on U.S. Highway 36 between Church Ranch Blvd. and Sheridan Blvd. After the man was struck, he crashed into the center median. The lightning left a crater in the highway that was approximately 18 inches long, 8 inches wide and 4 inches deep.

 

2006: May 

 

14 May 2006, exact time unknown but likely occurred around noon; Park county: A 24-year-old man and his dog were killed by lightning around noontime while on a recreational run on his ranch about 1 mile from Fairplay.

 

2006: January, February, March, April – None reported.

 

           2005

 

2005: October, November, December: None reported.

 

2005: September

 

08th,1645 mst, (1745 mdt), Pueblo County, 3 miles west-northwest of Pueblo: A 24-year-old male was struck by lightning while riding an ATV at the Pueblo Motorsports Park. He was awake and breathing when transported to a hospital. 

 

08th, 1702 mst, (1802 mdt), Otero County, 3 miles south of Rocky Ford: A 36-year-old male was struck and killed by lightning while working outside on a farmstead. 

08th: 1445 mst, (1545 mdt), Gunnison County, 23 miles north-northeast of Almont: A man on a motorcycle was struck by lightning while traveling east on Forest Road 759 which parallels Italian Creek.

 

2005: August None reported.

 

2005: July

 

03rd, 1330 mst (1430 mdt), Larimer County, 1 mile northeast of Loveland: Lighting struck near a beach area at Boyd Lake. Nine people were injured. Five were treated at the park; 4 others were hospitalized.

 

31st, 1530 mst (1630 mdt), La Plata County, Woman walking along Rim Drive across the street from Hillcrest golf course was injured when she was struck by lightning.

2005: June

 

02nd, 1701 mst (1801 mdt), Pueblo County, In Pueblo: Lighting struck a 13-year-old female while scrimmaging for a softball game at Pueblo East High School. The girl was critically injured and transported to Denver.

 

2005: January, February, March, April, May: None reported.

 

          2004

 

2004: September, October, November, December: None reported.

 

2004: August

 

1st, 1430 mst, Summit County: 28-year-old female killed, 2 injured.

 

4th, 1615 mst, Douglas County: 2 golfers at Pinehurst golf course injured.

 

2004: July

 

7th, 1700 mst, Jefferson County: 9-year-old boy injured by flash at the playground.

 

19th, 1300 mst, Chaffee county: Vicinity of Monarch Ski Lodge a young woman was injured at Monarch Campground.

 

2004: June

 

14th, 1900-2030mst (exact time unknown): Douglas county, Lightning struck a power pole injuring a 12-year-old girl standing nearby

 

15th, 1200 mst, Park county: A man was struck and injured when ascending the summit of Mt Lincoln.

 

19th, 1350 mst, Grand county: 19 people injured at Golf Classic, 2 were serious injuries.

2004 May

 

12th, 830 mst, Montrose county: 34-year-old male ranch worker was killed

.

29th, 1145 mst, Jefferson County: 1 male killed and 4 others injured while golfing.

 

2004: January, February, March, April: None reported.

 

          2003

 

2003: September, October, November, December: None reported.

 

2003: August

 

3rd, 2000 mst, Larimer county: 1 male injured, 0 fatal (media)

 

5th, 1715 mst, El Paso County: A 52-year-old male was struck and killed on a golf course

 

11th, 1750 mst, Teller county: A 19-year-old male was talking on a corded phone when lightning struck the telephone lines outside.

 

16th, 1200 mst, Clear Creek County: A teenager was injured when he was struck while camping atHerman Lake. The man was knocked unconscious and suffered minor injuries.

 

23rd, 1400 mst, El Paso County: Three children, 9, 11 and 13 years old, were struck by lightning while under a tree while crossing a golf course.

 

24th, 1545 mst, Park county: Lightning struck and killed a man while riding a motorcycle on Highway 24 just southeast of Lake George. 

 

24th, 1616 mst, Park county: Lightning struck a teenager while 4-wheel driving over Red Cone pass. He was struck in the chest and stopped breathing. He was resuscitated by his friend. 

 

2003: July

 

13th, 1040 mst, El Paso county: A 41-year-old male was affected by a lightning flash while removing food from the back of his SUV. CPR was performed on the victim by a friend.

 

25th, 1330 mst, El Paso County: A 20-year-old woman was struck by lightning on a golf course.

 

26th, 1730 mst, Larimer county: A female was lying on a rubber matt while in a tent. Lightning struck a tree outside and she was injured. (information for this case came from the Lightning Data Center in Denver, Colorado).

 

27th, 1536 mst, Saguache county: A 27-year-old woman was struck and killed by a lightning flash while hiking along the Willow Creek trail near Crestone, Colorado. Her husband was injured. 

 

31st, 1830 mst, Garfield county: A 51-year-old male and 48-year-old female where struck and killed by lightning while seeking shelter under a tree. They had been previously riding a horse on Battlement Mesa when the storm came up.

 

2003:  June: None reported.

 

2003: May

31st, 1600 mst, Larimer county: Lightning struck and killed a 31-year-old man, and injured another, while they were fishing on Boyd Lake.

 

2003: January, February, March, April: None reported.

 

           2002

 

2002:  September, October, November, December: None reported.

 

2002 August

5th, 1400 mst, Park County: A mail carrier was affected by a lightning flash as he stuck a key into a multi-unit mailbox.

 

2002 July: None reported.

 

2002 June

 

1 June, 1745, Weld County: A 39-year-old male farmer was affected by a lightning flash while standing on hay bails.

 

2002: January, February, March, April, May: None reported.

 

           2001

 

2001: September, October, November, DecembeNone reported.

2001: August

 

1st, 1600 mst, Denver county: A 34-year-old man on the South Platte River bike path received minor injuries when lightning struck a nearby tree.

 

5th, 1620 mst, El Paso County: A 66-year-old man from Minnesota was struck by a side flash of lightning in a campground and hit his head on a picnic table. He was taken to a local hospital, treated and then released.

 

6th, 0300 mst, Montezuma county: A father and his two sons were struck by lightning after seeking shelter from a thunderstorm under a tall cottonwood tree. The three men were on a golf course and had sought shelter under the tree when it started to rain. Lightning struck the tree and then passed through all three men, leaving each with severe burns. One victim also suffered a head injury as he was thrown to the ground.

 

15th, 1300 mst, Larimer county: A 43-year-old man was killed when struck by lightning when he was taking shelter under a tree.

 

2001: July

15th, 1500 mst, Archuleta county: A man with a fishing pole in his hand had just stepped out of his boat and onto a dock at Lake Pagosa when lightning struck him. The lightning initially struck the fishing pole and traveled through the man who suffered burns.

 

2001: June

 

25th, 1530 mst, Jefferson county: Four golfers and one construction worker received minor injuries from a nearby lightning flash at the Broadlands Golf Course.

 

2001 May

10th, 2100 mst, Lincoln County: Lighting shocked a woman while she was talking on a phone. She went numb on one side temporarily.

 

14th, 1504 mst, Douglas County: A construction worker received minor injuries when the current of a nearby lightning flash affected him.

 

18th, 2100 mst, Adams county: 19-year-old man was killed by lightning as he was walking along the shoulder of US highway 36 during a thunderstorm.

 

30th, 1330 mst, El Paso County: Four soldiers on Ft Carson were struck by lightning. Three were taken to area hospitals, treated and released. The other remained in a coma for three weeks, before passing away on June 20th from his injuries.

 

2001: January, February, March, April: None reported.

 

           2000 

 

2000: November, December: None reported.

 

2000: October

 

3rd, 1405 mst, Larimer county: Two (2) people (age and sex unknown), were injured by a lightning flash on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park at the 12,000 ft Forest Canyon Overlook.

 

2000: August, September: None reported.

 

2000: July

 

7th, 1245 mst, Archuleta county: Male (age unknown) was struck by lightning while fishing along the Navajo River.

 

8th, 1200 mst, Clear Creek County: Two (2) men (age unknown) were burned by a lightning flash while climbing Mount Evans.

 

10th, 1540 mst, Boulder County: Three (3) children (age and gender unknown) were injured, 1 critically, on top of Flagstaff Mountain, when affected by a sideflash of a lightning strike to a nearby tree.

 

12th, 1400 mst, Boulder County: A 28-year-old male was killed instantly by a lightning strike while climbing Longs Peak.

 

12th, 1640 mst, Logan County: Male (age unknown) was injured by a lightning flash which hit a fence in which the man was opening.

 

15th, 1700 mst, Pitkin County: A group of four people were hiking together near Conundrum Hot Springs when one of the hikers was struck by lightning.  The victim's clothing was shredded and her boots were blown off.  Also, the lightning victim was bleeding from the ears and nose, and had burns on her chest and feet.

 

16th, 1900 mst, Clear Creek County: Two (2) campers (age and gender unknown) were injured near Mt Evans.

 

17th, 1500 mst, Denver county: A 25-year-old woman was injured by a lightning flash when she was loading a 747 at Denver International Airport (DIA).

 

24th, 1500 mst, Boulder County: Two (2) men (age unknown), were injured by a lightning flash while playing golf at Ute Creek Golf Course.

 

25th, 1159 mst, El Paso County: 18-year-old male killed by the first lightning flash of the day on top ofPikes Peak.

 

28th, 1630 mst, El Paso County: A 55-year-old woman was injured when affected by the sideflash of a lightning strike to a nearby tree.

 

2000: January, February, March, April, May, June: None reported