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

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

The incident occurred along a walking path behind a hotel near 700 Bloom Street in Celebration, Florida. Deputies responded to the scene, where bystanders were already attempting to save the young man’s life by performing CPR.

Despite those efforts, Matthew was later pronounced deceased at Celebration Hospital.

At the time of the incident, authorities did not immediately know the identity of the young man. Deputies continued working to determine who he was, eventually identifying him with assistance from federal law enforcement.

Authorities have now identified the deceased as Matthew Eric Jenkins, born April 20, 2006, and a resident of Shelby Township, Michigan.

Matthew was only 20 years old. His passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how suddenly life can change and how deeply a sudden loss can affect a family. For his parents and loved ones in Michigan, receiving the news of his death undoubtedly brought unimaginable grief.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that next of kin notification was made to Matthew’s parents in Michigan. They are now left to mourn the loss of their son and hold on to the memories of the life they shared with him.

While the circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death are still being examined, authorities have not yet officially determined the cause of death. Homicide detectives with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office are awaiting the medical examiner’s findings.

It is important to allow the investigation and medical examination to determine exactly what happened. At this time, the reported lightning strike is part of the circumstances being investigated, but the final cause of death remains pending.

Behind every investigation is a person whose life meant something to someone. Matthew was not simply a name connected to an incident. He was a son, a loved one, and a young man whose future was still unfolding.

His loved ones now face the difficult days ahead without him, carrying memories that will remain long after this tragedy. No family should have to experience the pain of losing someone so young and unexpectedly.

As authorities continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death, our thoughts are with his parents, family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him.

May Matthew Eric Jenkins rest in peace, and may his loved ones find strength and comfort as they grieve this devastating loss.

Rest in peace, Matthew Eric Jenkins. You will be remembered and never forgotten.