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San Bernardino National Forest Hit by Lightning Fatality 1958

  • Location:

    California
  • Date:

    08/14/1958
  • Incident Type:

    Hit by Lightning
  • Description:

    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 four miles east of Green Valley Lake. They had just left their pickup truck and proceeded on foot when lightning struck approximately 25 feet from them. Both men were thrown to the ground, but Brayton recovered and attempted artificial respiration on West before radioing for help. West was transported to the hospital in nearby Lake Arrowhead, but was pronounced dead. West was a 10-year veteran of the US Forest Service. 

    Hit by Lightning, Fatality, Initial Attack