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Waycross City Manager Ulysess Rayford said the two teens were fishing when they were caught in the middle of a heavy thunderstorm Thursday night.
WARE COUNTY, Ga. — On Thursday night, a lightning strike claimed the lives of two individuals in Ware County, Georgia, in the vicinity of Waycross. This information was shared in an initial storm report by the National Weather Service.
Waycross City Manager Ulysess Rayford told First Coast News the two were teens.
The NWS’s Jacksonville office detailed that during a thunderstorm around 9:05 p.m. Thursday, two people were struck by lightning while in an open field close to a vehicle.
Rayford told First Coast News Friday the two teens were on a fishing trip near Lejune Road in Ware County when the lightning strike happened.
Paramedics responded to the scene but both were pronounced dead, Rayford said.
Waycross Mayor Dr. Michael-Angelo James identified the two teens as Joey Nelson and Randall Martin III.
Both graduated from Ware County High School, Nelson in 2024 and Martin in 2025, according to James.
The mayor sent a statement to First Coast News via Rayford:
We are deeply saddened over the loss of our beloved Joey Nelson and Randall Martin III, who tragically died on July 10, 2025, after being struck by lightning following a summer storm.
Joey Nelson, a graduate of the Class of 2024 from Ware County High School, and Randall Martin III, a member of the Class of 2025, were both beloved members of the Ware County Gators football team. Their dedication, sportsmanship, and energetic spirits left an indelible mark on their teammates, coaches, and the entire Waycross community. Joey was also the grandnephew of our City Clerk, Mrs. Jacqualine Powell.
Our sympathies are extended to her and to both families of these young men during this time of unthinkable loss. On behalf of the City of Waycross, our deepest sympathies are extended to the Nelson and Martin families. We mourn with you, and we are here for you. The city will coordinate with Ware County Schools to help with memorial events.
Let us come together as a community to remember Joey and Randall—not only for their athletic ability but for the laughter and inspiration they brought to all who knew them.
