Hiker killed by lightning strike in front of brother just steps from mountain summit

Published: 16:52, 23 July 2026 | Updated: 16:57, 23 July 2026 A man has been struck and killed by lightning while hiking a popular mountain in Utah with his brother. Craig Nelson, 59, died on July 18 after being struck near the summit of American Fork Twin Peaks. According to authorities, Nelson and his brother, Mark, had completed the hike together multiple times previously. The surviving brother told cops that they noticed a shift in weather while stopping to eat, according to Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office. Mark said that they assessed the conditions and saw no lightning, before deciding to continue their trek. At around 11.45am the brothers approached the east peak.  Mark decided to head back down after noticing the weather worsen, cops said.  Nelson continued forward but collapsed about 20 feet from Mark after he was struck by lightning, according to the police statement. Craig Nelson (pictured right), 59, was killed by lightning while hiking with his brother Mark (pictured left) near the summit of American Fork Twin Peaks on July 18 Salt Lake County Search and Rescue and a Department of Public Safety helicopter responded to the scene where Nelson was pronounced dead According to the National Lightning Safety Council it is the fifth recorded death from lightning in the United States this year Mark said it took him about 20 minutes to get to a place with service and where he could contact emergency services.  At around 12.01pm the sheriff's office received the call, and a search and rescue team and Department of Public Safety helicopter were dispatched.  The crews were able to locate Nelson after the storm cleared. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Mark was safely escorted off the mountain by ski patrol, according to cops. 'Our sincerest condolences go out to the individual's family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,' the Sheriff's Office said.  As of July 20, the investigation remained open as the medical examiner determines the official cause of death.  However, according to the National Lightning Safety Council, Nelson is listed as the fifth recorded lightning death this year in the United States. 'The weather continues to change here in Utah and it's very unpredictable,' said Sheriff Rosie Rivera at a press conference.  She warned that hikers who run into these conditions should get to lower elevations, stay 'at least 300 feet' away from bodies of water, and put down their trekking pole.