Tragic Twist: Disney Intern's Journey Cut Short by Lightning Strike

A 20-year-old intern died after being struck by lightning – just days into his life-changing move to Florida to attend the Disney College Program.

Matthew Jenkins was struck by lightning and found unresponsive near a hotel in Celebration on Tuesday evening, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office told WESH.

He was running in a park near the Celebration Hotel on Bloom Street when a sudden thunderstorm forced him to seek shelter under a tree, according to a report from the Osceola County Medical Examiner’s office.

Witnesses said another group was sheltering from the rain when lightning struck around 6:30 p.m.

They then noticed a young man had collapsed.

“As soon as I heard that, I started running and I came over here [where it happened],” said witness Felipe Costa. “That’s when I saw the man.”

Costa and other witnesses quickly sprang into action to help Jenkins.

“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.”

Emergency personnel arrived shortly after, rushing Jenkins to Celebration Hospital, where he was pronounced dead after extensive resuscitation efforts, according to the sheriff’s office and the medical examiner’s report.

Hospital staff informed the medical examiner that Jenkins had apparent lightning exit wounds on his feet, according to documents obtained by The Post.

A Disney spokesperson told The Post 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,” the statement continued. 

“Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Osceola Sheriff’s Office and Jenkins’ father did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.