With profound sadness, we remember 20-year-old Matthew Eric Jenkins, of Shelby Township, Michigan, whose life came to a tragic end following an incident in Celebration, Florida.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at approximately 6:25 p.m., the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office received a call about an unresponsive man after a lightning strike was observed in the area.

The incident occurred along a walking path behind a hotel near 700 Bloom Street in Celebration. Deputies quickly responded and found bystanders performing CPR on the unidentified male in an effort to save his life.

Despite those efforts, the young man was later pronounced deceased at Celebration Hospital.

At the time, authorities did not immediately know his identity. Deputies continued working to determine who he was and, with assistance from federal law enforcement, were able to identify him as Matthew Eric Jenkins, born April 20, 2006, of Shelby Township, Michigan.

Matthew was only 20 years old, a young man whose life and future were still ahead of him. His sudden passing has left his family facing an unimaginable loss. His parents in Michigan have been notified of his death and are now left to grieve the loss of their son.

Authorities say the circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death remain under investigation. Homicide detectives with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office are awaiting the medical examiner’s determination of the official cause of death.

While a lightning strike was observed in the area, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of Matthew’s death. The medical examiner’s findings are expected to provide additional information.

As the investigation continues, our thoughts and condolences are with Matthew’s parents, family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him.

May Matthew Eric Jenkins rest in peace. His life mattered, his memory will remain, and he will never be forgotten.