Man killed by lightning while cutting lawn in Ohio
The fatal strike in Steubenville marked the 14th lightning-related death in the United States so far this year.
Thunderstorms turned deadly in Ohio last week when a man was struck by lightning while cutting his lawn, marking the 14th lightning-related death in the United States so far this year.
The incident happened Friday morning, Sept.4, as a thunderstorm moved through Steubenville, in eastern Ohio, near the Pennsylvania border.
According to the AccuLightning Network™, 197 lightning strikes were detected in Steubenville around the time of the fatal strike, including 114 cloud-to-ground bolts.
The victim was identified as 60-year-old Joe Pierro, who was mowing his lawn when lightning struck him.
Pierro had recently retired after working at Steubenville High School for more than 30 years, where he coached football and baseball, according to WTRF.
Friday’s death was the 14th reported lightning-related in the U.S. in 2026 linked to lightning, according to the National Lightning Safety Council. It was also the first reported in Ohio this year.
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