Tragic Incident Claims Lives of Two Georgia Teenagers

The summer fishing trip ended in tragedy when two teenagers from Georgia were struck and killed by lightning as they returned to their car.

Joey Nelson Jr., 18, and 19-year-old Randall Martin III, both from Waycross, lost their lives on July 10. The Ware County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around 10:15 PM, where they discovered both boys deceased by their vehicle.

A report from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) indicated that the two teens had gone fishing and didn’t return home as expected. It seems they were caught in a powerful thunderstorm.

According to the GBI, they were inside their car when the lightning struck. The vehicle itself also showed signs of having been hit by lightning.

The family that called 911 found the two young men. As mentioned in a news release, it was likely that the intense weather played a significant role in this unfortunate event.

A GoFundMe campaign created for Nelson described him as someone deeply cherished by his family and friends. It expressed that his sudden passing left a notable void for those who knew him.

The fundraising effort highlighted that Randall Martin was also doing what he loved when the incident occurred, and it emphasized the positive impact he had on many lives.

As of now, over $17,000 has been raised to support both families during this difficult time.

The GBI Inspector’s office is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.