Tragic End to a Long-Awaited Honeymoon
Jake Rosencranz, 29, and his wife Leah were finally enjoying their long-delayed honeymoon in Florida after years of building a life together. But on June 21, what was meant to be a joyful getaway turned tragic when Jake was struck by lightning at New Smyrna Beach — becoming Florida’s first lightning-related fatality of 2025.
The day appeared calm, but a storm was building inland. Around 12:30 p.m., lightning struck Jake as he stood in ankle-deep water. Lifeguards rushed to help, performing CPR, but he was unresponsive and later died at AdventHealth hospital, surrounded by loved ones.
Originally from Massachusetts, Jake was a beloved “true Coloradan” who lived with Leah and their dog Bonnie in Frisco, Colorado. They married in 2023 at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, a special place in their lives.
Tributes have poured in, and Jake’s brother-in-law launched a GoFundMe to help Leah with medical costs and ongoing support. Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed the community’s sorrow, writing, “At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her.”