Lightning strike kills man, injures 14 others at N.J. archery range

The 61-year-old man died after a lightning strike at an archery range during a Cub Scounts event, with other victims, including children, suffering burns and other injuries

July 17, 2025 09:44 AM

By Jeff Goldman
nj.com

JACKSON, N.J. — Police have identified the 61-year-old man struck and killed by lightning Wednesday evening during a cub scout event at an archery range in Jackson.

Robert Montgomery, of Cinnaminson, died of his injuries after being struck at the Black Knights Bow Benders Archery Range on Perrineville Road, Jackson police said.

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Fourteen others — one as young as 7 years old — were also hurt, with one victim having to be brought to the Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston with a severe burn.

The victims were at the archery range as part of an event organized by Jackson Cub Scout Pack 204, police said. It’s unclear if Montgomery was associated with the scouts.

The injuries ranged from burns to complaints of pain in addition to “not feeling well,” according to police. One of the victims was knocked unconscious but later regained consciousness, police said.

Last week, a 28-year-old man was struck by lighting on a golf course in Sussex County. He has since died.

Only 3 people were killed by lightning in New Jersey between 2015-2024, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. A total of 11 people have been killed by lightning in the United States this year, according to the National Weather Service.

The risk for thunderstorms today is much lower than earlier this week. Two women were killed when the car they were in was swept away during flash flooding in Plainfield on Monday.

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