Waycross community mourns teens after tragic lightning strike
Share this @internewscast.com

“Every time a lightning flash we just think that’s Randall’s picture up there smiling down at us,” said the grandfather of one of the teens.

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'NYU Communists' vow to fight capitalism with Marxist revolution at 'No Kings' rally

NYU Student Group Advocates for Marxist Change at ‘No Kings’ Rally to Challenge Capitalism

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Over the weekend, a group believed to be students…
Australian prime minister's plane makes emergency landing in St. Louis after leaving Washington

Australian Prime Minister’s Plane Makes Safe Emergency Landing in St. Louis Following Departure from Washington

On Tuesday night, a flight carrying Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had…
Jack Nicklaus wins $50 million in defamation suit vs. ex-business partners

Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus Triumphs in $50 Million Defamation Case Against Former Partners

Miami — Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has emerged victorious in a defamation…
North Carolina man recounts shooting after Trump banner torn from mother’s yard: 'Some people just snap'

North Carolina Man Reflects on Shooting Incident Over Torn Trump Banner: A Tale of Sudden Anger

A troubling incident in North Carolina has captured attention, as a man…
Opening statements Wednesday in trial of ex-Illinois officer who killed Sonya Massey

Opening Statements to Begin Wednesday in Trial of Former Illinois Officer Accused of Killing Sonya Massey

In Springfield, Illinois, the courtroom is set to be the scene of…
Father arrested for murder after 2-year-old son Xavier Padilla-Aguilera was swept away by Southern California floodwaters

Father Detained on Murder Charges Following Tragic Drowning of 2-Year-Old Son Xavier Padilla-Aguilera in Southern California Floodwaters

A tragic incident in Barstow, California, has led to the arrest of…
Luigi Mangione claims he was beaten by seven 'ladyboys' in Thailand months before CEO killing: report

Shocking Twist: Luigi Mangione Alleges Assault by ‘Ladyboys’ in Thailand Before High-Profile CEO Murder

Luigi Mangione, once a promising Ivy League student, is now embroiled in…
Family fights for father's release from ICE custody after Crestwood arrest, details conditions at Broadview facility

Family Battles for Father’s Freedom: Inside the Harrowing Conditions at Broadview ICE Facility After Crestwood Arrest

CHICAGO (WLS) — Mariana Cabrera recounted the tense hours her family endured,…
Virginia Giuffre’s memoir reveals how Epstein, Maxwell ‘broke down’ girls step by step in psychological war

Virginia Giuffre’s Memoir Exposes Epstein and Maxwell’s Chilling Tactics in Systematic Psychological Manipulation

Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s first encounter with Jeffrey Epstein’s pink-hued mansion in Palm…
US Marshal, illegal alien shot in Los Angeles immigration operation

US Marshal and Undocumented Immigrant Injured During Los Angeles Immigration Enforcement Operation

In Los Angeles on Tuesday, a U.S. Marshal and an undocumented immigrant…
Immigration agents conducting sweep on NYC's famed Canal Street confronted by protesters

Immigration Agents Met with Protests During Canal Street Operation in NYC

NEW YORK (AP) — A planned immigration enforcement operation on Manhattan’s well-known…
Father leaps into ocean after daughter falls from Disney cruise ship deck: reports

Report: Mother Allegedly Urged Daughter to Pose for Photo at Open Porthole Before Fall from Disney Cruise Ship

A family vacation aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream took a…