PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A father of four from Utah was fatally struck by lightning at Fort De Soto Park over the weekend.
Pinellas County deputies responded to North Beach around 6:35 p.m. on Saturday after reports of a jet skier being struck by lightning.
Steve Matheson was taken to a hospital and was later pronounced dead.
His family said he was a devoted husband who loved his children.
"Steve was very loving and he was very good at telling people he loved them," said Marianne Matheson Shuman, Steve's cousin.
Marianne Matheson Shuman, Steve's cousin, said the 41-year-old was in Florida for a work conference.
He spent Saturday meeting up with a longtime friend. Photos show Steve riding a jet ski before it happened.
"Him and his buddy had checked the radar, the weather and it looked fine to go on the water," said Marianne.
Steve leaves behind his wife, Abbie, and four children. His youngest child is three years old.
The family lives in Saratoga Springs, Utah.
A GoFundMe page for Matheson's family described him as a devoted husband.
The GoFundMe page will help with funeral expenses and to bring Steve's body back to Utah.
It will also provide financial support to his wife, according to his family.
"She's stuck with a lot of big decisions and she's just trying to grieve right now and in shock herself," said Marianne.
His family said he was also a man of faith and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"He was a man of faith and he lived it. He lived in faith. He lived his religion. He loved Jesus and he wanted people to know that he loved Jesus, but not only did he love Jesus, he wanted them to see that in his actions," said Marianne.
His family said they're appreciative of the outpouring of love and support.
April and Michael Beck created the GoFundMe page for Steve's family.
"We have been so incredibly amazed and grateful for all the donations," said April Beck, a family friend.
"Since their kids are so little like we can only imagine what life is going to be like for them moving forward."
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