HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. — A hunting trip in rural Highlands County turned fatal earlier this week when two Miami men were found dead after what investigators believe was a lightning strike. The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victims as 38-year-old Alexander Karl Getz and 31-year-old Peter James Stansky, both residents of Miami.
The men had gone hunting in a remote area southeast of the county, known for its levees, canals, and open fields. When they failed to return home, loved ones raised the alarm, and deputies launched a search on Wednesday afternoon. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers first located their vehicle near Rucks Dairy Road, which led search teams closer to the scene.
Not far from the truck, deputies discovered Getz and Stansky lying side by side on a levee along Canal C-41A. Both of their dogs, who had been with them during the trip, also perished. The discovery painted a tragic picture: the pair likely caught in an open area as a thunderstorm rolled through. Authorities said no foul play was suspected, with all evidence pointing toward a deadly lightning strike as the cause.
Florida is often called the “Lightning Capital of the U.S.”, with strikes especially common in late summer and early fall. Officials believe the men may have been struck Monday evening while outdoors. “When thunder roars, lightning is close enough to kill,” safety experts warn, emphasizing that hunters, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts should always seek shelter at the first sign of a storm. Unfortunately, in open terrain like levees and fields, safe cover may not have been available to Getz and Stansky.
The District 10 Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and time of death, but preliminary findings strongly suggest lightning. While autopsies are pending, investigators said the scene was consistent with strike-related fatalities. The deaths of the men’s dogs added another layer of heartbreak for families and highlighted the bond many hunters share with their animals, who serve both as companions and working partners in the field.
Local authorities extended condolences to the victims’ families and used the tragedy to remind residents about the dangers of Florida’s unpredictable weather. They encouraged hunters and others spending time outdoors to check forecasts, carry weather alert devices, and avoid exposed areas when storms develop. The loss of Getz and Stansky stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine trip into nature can turn deadly.