A Disney College Program intern died after a lightning strike just days after moving to Florida to start the program.
Matthew Jenkins, 20, of Shelby Township, Michigan, had relocated to the Sunshine State last week and was running in a park near the Celebration Hotel on Bloom Street when a sudden thunderstorm hit Tuesday evening, his father told WESH and the Osceola County Medical Examiner’s office reported. Seeking shelter from the storm, Jenkins took cover under a tree around 6:30 p.m. Near the hotel in Celebration, the medical examiner’s report stated.
Witnesses told authorities another group had also been sheltering from the rain when lightning struck the area. They then spotted a young man collapsed on the ground.
“As soon as I heard that, I started running and I came over here [where it happened],” witness Felipe Costa said. “That’s when I saw the man.”
Costa and others rushed to aid Jenkins. “There was a lady behind me. She came and started CPR also as soon as possible. We were just waiting until the first responders got there,” he continued.
Emergency personnel arrived shortly after and transported Jenkins to Celebration Hospital, where he was pronounced dead following extensive resuscitation efforts, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and the medical examiner’s report. Hospital staff informed the medical examiner that Jenkins had apparent lightning exit wounds on his feet, documents showed.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office had found Jenkins unresponsive near the hotel and confirmed he was struck by lightning.
A Disney spokesperson addressed the death in a statement to The Post. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Matthew,” the spokesperson said.
“He had just begun his Disney College Program journey, and will always be remembered as part of our Disney community,” the statement continued. “Our hearts are with his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Disney College Program offers college students and recent graduates paid internships at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, combining work experience with educational components. Participants typically live in company-sponsored housing and work in roles across the theme parks and resorts.
The Osceola Sheriff’s Office and Jenkins’ father did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.