San Bernardino National Forest Hit by Lightning Fatality 1958

San Bernardino National Forest Fire Control Officers Dennis Brayton and Donald West were struck by lightning while on patrol near Running Springs, California. The two were en route to a lightning-caused fire located four miles east of Green Valley Lake. They had just left their pickup truck and were proceeding on foot when lightning struck approximately 25 feet from them. Both men were thrown to the ground. Brayton recovered and attempted artificial respiration on West before radioing for help. West was transported to the hospital in nearby Lake Arrowhead, where he was pronounced dead. West was a 10-year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service. 

Hit by Lightning, Fatality, Initial Attack