Michigan Man, 20, Dies After Apparent Lightning Strike One Week Into Disney College Program

A 20-year-old Michigan man who had just begun the Disney College Program died after he was found unresponsive near a hotel walking path in Celebration, central Florida, in what authorities are treating as a possible lightning strike.

Matthew Eric Jenkins had moved from Shelby Township the previous week to start the programme when he was discovered near Bloom Street, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.

The 20-year-old, from Shelby Township, was found at about 6.25pm on 8 September 2026 behind a hotel in the 700 block of Bloom Street, according to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. Witnesses reported seeing lightning strike in the area before deputies arrived.

Jenkins was taken to AdventHealth Celebration, where he was pronounced dead. Detectives were awaiting the medical examiner's official determination of the cause of death.

His death came only days after he relocated to take part in the Disney College Program, his father said. Authorities have not said that the incident happened on Disney property or during a programme-related activity.

Bystanders Attempted CPR After Lightning

People near the hotel walking path had sought shelter from rain when lightning struck nearby. They then saw Jenkins on the ground and attempted to help before emergency crews reached the scene.

Felipe Costa said he ran towards the location as soon as he heard the strike. 'As soon as I heard that, I started running and I came over here [where it happened],' he told WESH.

Costa said a woman began CPR while people at the scene waited for first responders. 'There was a lady behind me.

She came and started CPR also as soon as possible. We were just waiting until the first responders got there,' he said.

Deputies arrived as bystanders were attempting CPR, the sheriff's office said. Costa said he feared the situation was serious after reaching the scene. 'I had a feeling that it wasn't good,' he told WESH. 'I had a feeling.'

Disney College Program Link Reported

Jenkins' father told WESH that his son had moved from Shelby Township to central Florida the previous week to join the Disney College Program. The New York Post also reported his recent move to Florida for the programme.

The incident occurred in Celebration, in Osceola County, close to Walt Disney World Resort. Officials have not released details about Jenkins' movements before he was found or said why he was using the walking path.

The sheriff's office said lightning was reported near the location where Jenkins was found. The investigation remains ongoing while detectives wait for the medical examiner's finding.

Recent Florida Lightning Cases

The death came amid a series of lightning incidents in Florida during the late-summer storm season. On 4 September, WUFT reported that five lightning fatalities had been recorded in Florida in 2026 before Jenkins' death.

The National Weather Service had recorded 13 direct lightning fatalities across the United States as of 8 September, including five in Florida. Those figures may change as cases are reviewed and official classifications are updated.

The agency says the only completely safe action during a thunderstorm is to move into a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle. It advises people to wait at least 30 minutes after the final sound of thunder before going back outside.

That guidance applies to people walking, working or participating in outdoor activities in storm-prone areas. It does not establish the circumstances that led to Jenkins' death.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

Jenkins' father said the family was grateful to those who tried to help after his son collapsed. Costa later placed a flower at the site after learning that Jenkins had died.

Costa said the experience changed how he viewed severe-weather risks. 'Taking cover during storms right now is absolutely a priority for me.'

The Osceola County Sheriff's Office had not publicly released further details about Jenkins' movements before the incident. The medical examiner had not announced an official cause-of-death determination in the reporting reviewed.