A devastating lightning strike in Jackson County, Colorado, claimed the life of a rancher and 34 of his cows on Saturday, adding to the grim toll of fatal storms over the Memorial Day weekend. Mike Morgan, 51, was killed on his property in Rand, located approximately 120 miles northwest of Denver, at the end of “branding day”—a traditional event where the community helps brand cattle. According to news reports, Morgan was feeding hay to his cattle when a lightning bolt struck, knocking around 100 cows off their feet. An initial 911 call was made at about 2 a.m. MT.

Severe Weather Warnings

The National Weather Service had issued warnings about a storm moving across the Front Range Urban Corridor and advised people to seek shelter upon hearing thunder. Morgan’s death is part of a larger pattern of fatal weather events, as at least 21 other individuals lost their lives over the Memorial Day weekend due to storms and tornadoes in the central United States.

Despite the tragedy, lightning-related fatalities remain rare. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), approximately 50 people in the U.S. are killed by lightning each year, with a survival rate of 90% among those struck. The odds of being struck by lightning are about one in a million.

Increased Risk for Outdoor Workers

Working outdoors can significantly increase the risk of lightning strikes. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that from 2006 to 2021, there were 444 lightning-related deaths in the United States, with the majority occurring during the summer months.

Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have reported the highest numbers of lightning deaths and injuries. Florida, in particular, is known as the “lightning capital” of the U.S., with over 2,000 lightning-related injuries recorded over the past 50 years. Since 2006, only five states—Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Washington—and the U.S. Virgin Islands have reported no lightning-related deaths.

Remembering Mike Morgan

Mike Morgan’s tragic death highlights the perilous nature of outdoor work, especially during severe weather conditions. As the community of Rand mourns his loss, they also face the economic impact of losing a significant number of cattle. Morgan’s untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous forces of nature, prompting renewed attention to safety measures for those working outdoors during stormy weather.

The incident underscores the importance of heeding weather warnings and taking immediate action to seek shelter when lightning is nearby. As the nation reflects on the series of storms that have caused widespread devastation over Memorial Day weekend, the loss of Mike Morgan and his cattle stands as a poignant example of the fragile balance between man, livestock, and the natural world.