The small community of Rand Colorado is in shock after a rancher and 34 of his cows were killed by a single lightning strike on Saturday. Mike Morgan 51 was feeding his cattle when the bolt struck leaving devastation in its wake.
Morgan died at the scene despite efforts to save his life. The powerful lightning strike also affected around 100 head of cattle that had clustered around the hay-filled trailer Morgan was using. While most of the animals managed to get back on their feet 34 were killed instantly.
Miraculously Morgan’s wife and father-in-law who were in the vicinity when the tragedy occurred survived the incident unharmed. The freak accident has left the close-knit town located about 80 miles northwest of Denver stunned and grieving.
Fatal lightning strikes are a rare occurrence in the United States. Data from the National Weather Service shows that between 1989 and 2018 the country averaged 43 lightning-related deaths per year. However, the odds of being struck in a given year are around one in a million.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that 90% of people who are struck by lightning survive the event though they may be left with lasting disabilities. Colorado ranks among the top states for lightning strike injuries averaging 16 to 30 per year.
As the people of Rand mourn the loss of one of their own this tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes deadly power of nature.
