Tragic Incident at Ballyowen Golf Course

A 28-year-old man, Simon John Mariani, tragically lost his life after being struck by lightning while participating in a golf tournament at Ballyowen Golf Course in New Jersey. The incident occurred on July 8 as Mariani was playing the 15th hole. Despite immediate medical assistance from fellow golfers and his father, who provided CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, Mariani succumbed to his injuries and passed away unexpectedly on Monday, according to an online obituary reported by the New York Post.

Eyewitness Account of the Lightning Strike

Brian Delia, a fellow golfer present at the tournament, witnessed the lightning strike approximately 300 yards ahead of him. Delia had been filming the overcast sky moments before the tragic event unfolded. He described how the lightning struck suddenly, prompting him and others to rush back to the clubhouse for safety.

Response from Crystal Springs Resort

Crystal Springs Resort, which manages the 250-acre golf course, stated that stormy conditions developed rapidly that day. Although an alarm was reportedly sounded to alert golfers to seek shelter, Delia mentioned that his group did not hear it. The resort has respected the family’s request for privacy regarding the incident.

Mariani’s Life and Legacy

Simon John Mariani was an associate at MTS Health Partners in New York City. He held a bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics and a master’s degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame. Beyond his professional achievements, Mariani was passionate about family activities and enjoyed painting, photography, baking, and outdoor pursuits such as golfing and skiing.

Rising Concerns Over Lightning-Related Fatalities

This incident is part of a concerning trend of lightning-related fatalities. Recently, Olympic medalist Audun Groenvold also died due to a lightning strike. The increasing frequency of such incidents highlights the need for heightened awareness and safety measures during outdoor activities.