JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Waycross community is grieving the loss of two teens.

According to the mayor of Waycross, Joey Nelson and Randall Martin III were struck by lightning last night during a summer storm.

A preliminary report from the National Weather Service confirming that two people were struck by lightning in Ware County.

Randall Martin’s family told First Coast News that he was a sociable young man who enjoyed playing the drums and going fishing. They mentioned that their faith in God and mutual support are helping them navigate this difficult period.

“Randall was outgoing. He made the gathering special,” said Cynthia Evans, Martin’s grandmother.

“He was self-driven and didn’t need a crowd to pursue his interests,” explained Pastor Stanley Evans, Martin’s grandfather.

Stanley and Cynthia Evans hold on to the pictures of their beloved grandson, Randall Martin III. 

His life cut short the night of July 10. While his family says he was doing what he loved.

“That was his passion, and he passed doing what he loved, fishing,” said Stanley Evans.

The mayor and Martin’s family reported that he and his friend, Joey Nelson—a 2024 Ware County High School graduate—were on a fishing excursion when they were fatally struck by lightning during a storm near their vehicle.

“They came and knocked on the door and they were crying and said that it was Randall and he was unresponsive, and then I just lost it. I didn’t know what to do then they found the location and we went to where everyone was,” said Cynthia Evans. “I think I was walking around like I was on a cloud. I was in this world, but I felt like I was somewhere else when I saw my grandson laying out there in the grass.”

Martin’s aunt, Tangie Jenkins left behind mementos at the site where her nephew died.

“When I got here and I saw him lying out here I was like lord this cannot be that passionate baby who loves what he does. We know he’s resting in peace now,” said Jenkins.

Martin’s family is now holding on to the memories of the son, brother and grandson who they just celebrated graduating two months ago.

“Humanly, we are hurting, but spiritually, we rejoice, because the word of God says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and we’re hurting but we’re gonna heal,” said Evans. 

“We’ll carry yesterday in our hearts and we’ll carry that every time a lightning flash, we just think that’s Randall’s picture up there smiling down at us,” said Martin’s grandfather.

The Ware County Sheriff’s Office was unable to comment, as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating this case.

The GBI will release more information on Monday, once autopsies are conducted.