A Utah father of four died after being struck by lightning while attempting to help stranded boaters off the coast of Florida on Saturday, August 29, according to his family and friends. Steve Matheson, 47, was jet skiing with a friend near Fort de Soto when they spotted a disabled boat and stopped to assist, despite a storm approaching the shoreline.
Final Moments of Heroism
Matheson and his companion were heading toward shore as a storm built, but the father stopped to help the boaters after seeing they were in trouble. The tempest advanced quickly, and lightning struck Matheson, according to his cousin Marianne Matheson Shuman. “The lightning took him pretty quickly,” Shuman told ABC affiliate KTVX. “Even in his last moments he was helping and serving strangers,” she added. “He would have it no other way.”
Matheson was rushed to a local hospital but died of his injuries. He leaves behind his wife, Abbie, and their four children.
Tributes Pour In for Devoted Father
Friends and family have paid tribute to Matheson, describing him as a “devoted husband and loving father” and a diehard Brigham Young University Cougars football fan. His friend April Beck said, “His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished every moment he was able to spend with them. He was the kind of husband and father who loved deeply, showed up fully, and made his family the center of his world.”
Beck also noted Matheson’s strong faith: “Steve also had a strong and unwavering faith in his Heavenly Father and his Savior, Jesus Christ. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his faith was an important part of who he was and how he lived his life. His love for his family and his faith were evident in the way he treated others and the life he chose to live.”
Remembered for Selflessness and Friendship
Matheson was known for his willingness to help others in need. His friend Mitch Faas recalled how Matheson was the first to respond when Faas needed help moving fireworks ahead of the Pioneer Day holiday. “He showed up with his oldest son and jumped right in, just like he had for our shows over the last several years,” Faas said.
Faas shared the last text he sent to Matheson: “Thanks for always being someone I can count on bud.” Matheson replied, “Always brotha. We appreciate you and are always willing to help.”
Another friend, Aaron Boone, said the pair had planned to play flag football together. Boone wrote on Monday, “We shared a love for competition and football, but more importantly, a strong faith, a love for our families, and a soft spot for kids. One thing I’ll always remember about Steve says a lot about the kind of guy he was. His dad used to come watch him play flag football all the time. After his dad passed away a couple of years ago, Steve kind of took my father under his wing at the games, almost as if he were his own dad. He always made a point to sit with him, make sure he was comfortable, talk with him, and visit before, during, and after the games.”
Matheson’s death has left a void in the lives of his family and friends, but his legacy of service and kindness remains a lasting memory for all who knew him.
