Updated: Swimmer struck by lightning off Kitty Hawk remains in critical condition

Emergency personnel at the scene near the Kitty Hawk Road intersection with N.C. 12. [photo courtesy Elvis Zavaleta]

The 23-year old man hospitalized after he was struck by lightning Friday afternoon while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean off Kitty Hawk remains in critical condition.

The incident happened near the Kitty Hawk Road intersection around 2:50 p.m., as a thunderstorm that developed over the Albemarle Sound moved across the northern beaches.

Kitty Hawk Ocean Rescue were first on scene and initiated medical assistance, according to the Kitty Hawk Police Department.

Kitty Hawk Fire Department, Dare County EMS and Kitty Hawk Police Department provided additional support.

The victim was with friends while on the beach and was transported to The Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head for initial treatment, and was then transferred to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville. His name and hometown has not been released.

“Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers, during this difficult time of uncertainty,” said Police Chief Joel C. Johnson.

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Sam Walker was news director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, Big 94.5 WCMS and Z 92.3 from August 2011 to March 2022.