Disney intern, 20, killed in lightning strike while running in park days after moving for new job

AN intern had been killed by a fatal lightning strike days after accepting a life-changing job at Disney. Matthew Jenkins, 20, was found unresponsive near a hotel in Florida after being struck by lightning in a freak accident on Tuesday evening. 20-year-old Matthew Jenkins was reportedly found with lightning exit wounds on his feet Credit: Family Handout His family had described him as kind, funny, and full of energy Credit: Fox 5 Matthew was running in a park near Celebration Hotel in Osceola County after moving to the area last week to start the Disney College Programme. An unexpected thunderstorm in the Sunshine state forced him to seek shelter under a tree. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! According to witnesses, another group took shelter from a powerful lightning strike that ripped through the air. In the chaotic downpour, they noticed a young man had collapsed onto the ground. Witness Spyro Betz said: “When I heard the lightning strike, I expected it to hit the building or something like that or hit the hotel.” “I didn’t expect it to hit a person.” Another witness Felipe Costa said: “As soon as I heard that, I started running and I came over here [where it happened].” “That’s when I saw the man.” Most read in The Sun Costa and other witnesses rushed over to help the unconscious Matthew. “There was a lady behind me.” “She came and started CPR as soon as possible. “We were just waiting until the first responders got there.” The emergency services rushed Matthew to Celebration Hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after, according to the Sheriff’s office and the medical examiner’s report. Hospital staff said Matthew had apparent lightening exit wounds on his feet Matthew’s family described him as full of energy, kind, and fun. His father said that they made annual family trips to Walt Disney World. Matthew Jenkins trained for the Chicago Marathon and ran on Celebration’s trails Credit: Fox 5 Lightning strikes in South Florida are averaging two deaths and eight injuries per year over the last three decades Credit: Getty Images – Getty Matthew had moved to Florida to start the Disney College Programme Credit: Getty A Disney spokesperson said the company is mourning the loss of Matthew, saying that they are “deeply saddened by the passing of Matthew.” “He had just begun his Disney College Program journey, and will always be remembered as part of our Disney community.” “Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Lightning strike deaths in the Sunshine state are becoming more frequent. Ana-Torres-Vazquez, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service South Florida, has said: “Over the last 30 years, we’ve been averaging about two lightning deaths and eight injuries per year across Florida.” Comment now