CELEBRATION, Fla. — A fast-moving storm turned a routine evening walk into a desperate rescue attempt when a 20-year-old Disney College Program participant was found unresponsive along a walking trail behind a hotel in Celebration.
Matthew Eric Jenkins, of Shelby Township, Michigan, had arrived in Central Florida only about a week earlier to begin his Disney College Program journey.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Jenkins was found unresponsive Tuesday evening shortly after lightning struck in the area. Bystanders immediately rushed toward him and began lifesaving efforts.
Jenkins was taken to a hospital, where he later died. For witnesses who were nearby, the moments surrounding the incident remain difficult to forget.
Good Samaritans Rush Toward Jenkins
Felipe Costa said he and his brother were walking along the Celebration trail when a storm quickly moved into the area.
The brothers sought shelter as the weather worsened. Then they heard a powerful flash and crack of thunder.
“All of a sudden we saw the flash. We didn’t see where the lightning hit, but it was really loud and came really quick. We knew it was close,” Costa said.
Soon afterward, Costa heard people calling for help.
“I ran up to them and one of them said someone fell. I heard that, and I just ran,” Costa said.
When Costa reached the scene, he found Jenkins lying on the ground alongside another woman who had already begun trying to save his life.
“The woman behind me came in and checked for his pulse, his breathing, and started CPR right away,” Costa said.
The witnesses continued helping until emergency responders arrived.
Witness Recalls Lightning Crack Overhead
Another witness, Spyro Betz, said he had just reached his vehicle when he heard an extremely loud crack of lightning.
“I heard the big crack of lightning that was like right overhead,” Betz said.
Betz initially believed the lightning had struck a nearby structure.
“When I heard the lightning strike, I expected it hit the building or something like that or hit the hotel. I didn’t expect it to hit a person,” he said.
A lightning strike was detected in the area around 6:25 p.m., roughly corresponding with the time witnesses said the incident occurred. The apparent connection between the lightning strike and Jenkins’ collapse remains part of the investigation.
Matthew Jenkins Remembered by Family
Jenkins’ death has left his family and those who knew him mourning a young man described as kind, funny and full of energy.
His father said the family had made annual trips to Walt Disney World, making Jenkins’ decision to move to Florida for the Disney College Program especially meaningful.
Jenkins was also training for the Chicago Marathon and frequently ran along the trails in Celebration. For Costa, the tragedy did not end when he left the trail.
After learning that Jenkins had died, Costa returned to the location where the young man had collapsed and placed flowers there.
“I went over to the spot. I picked some flowers around and I put them down where he was,” Costa said. “I wanted to leave that as a memory.”
The small gesture reflected the impact the incident had on people who had never known Jenkins personally but had witnessed the effort to save him.
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Disney Mourns College Program Participant
Disney also released a statement following Jenkins’ death, expressing condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Matthew. He had just begun his Disney College Program journey and will always be remembered as part of our Disney community. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” a Disney spokesperson said.
Jenkins had only recently begun a new chapter of his life in Central Florida, making his sudden death particularly heartbreaking for those close to him.
Investigation Into Lightning Incident Continues
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities have not announced Jenkins’ official cause of death. The medical examiner is expected to determine whether lightning was ultimately responsible for his death.
As the investigation continues, witnesses are remembering the moments when strangers came together and immediately attempted to help.
Their actions, including the quick decision to begin CPR, gave Jenkins emergency assistance before first responders arrived.
What are your thoughts on the Good Samaritans who immediately rushed to help? Share your message of support and remembrance in the comments below.