Golfer dies week after being struck by lightning on course in New Jersey

HARDYSTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- A man who was struck by lightning while golfing last week has died.

Simon John Mariani, 28, was struck July 8 during a competition at the Ballyowen Golf Club in Hardyston, New Jersey.

The 28-year-old victim was taken to the hospital, where he died Monday.

A storm was passing through the area when the tragedy occurred.

Brian Delia, a fellow golfer who witnessed the lightning strike, spoke to our sister station, WABC.

Delia said the victim was struck about 300 yards in front of him.

He said they were on the 14th hole and had seen lightning off in the distance for about half an hour before the victim was struck.

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"I was like 'is this going to be a tornado that's actually happening,'" Delia said. "One of the guys that we were golfing with, he works at another golf course, and he was like 'we need to get out of here.'"

Delia said that was when he started filming.

"I started filming, and he was right in front of me, and all of a sudden the lightning strikes and I ended the video recording, and we immediately just started heading back to the clubhouse," Delia said.

Delia said he did not know someone had been struck by lightning until police arrived and said someone had been injured at the 15th hole, which is on the "complete opposite corner" of the clubhouse.

He said the group didn't receive any warning about lightning from the course.

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"Nobody did say anything to us, we didn't hear any horns to get off the course at all, they started blowing the horns when we were back at the clubhouse and that was after the police were already out there," Delia said.

Crystal Springs Resort released a statement after the incident saying that course personnel sounded warning horns to clear the course.

They said the golf course had been operating under normal conditions before the storm, which developed rapidly.

"The safety of our guests is one of our top priorities," said Michelle Abate, spokesperson for Crystal Springs Resort. "Our primary concern right now is the well-being of the guest and his family."

Mariani's wake will be held on Thursday, followed by funeral services on Friday.