Just days into a new chapter with the Disney College Program, a 20-year-old Walt Disney World Resort cast member's life was cut short after a lightning strike in Celebration, Florida, on Tuesday.
What Happened in Celebration
On September 8, a group of people had gathered to take shelter from a passing storm along a walking path behind a hotel on Bloom Street in Celebration. When lightning struck the area, witnesses noticed a man had suddenly collapsed and rushed over to help.
The man was identified as 20-year-old Matthew Eric Jenkins, a resident of Shelby Township, Michigan. His father told WESH 2 that Jenkins had arrived in Central Florida just a week prior to begin the Disney College Program, an internship experience at Walt Disney World Resort.
Felipe Costa was among those who ran to Jenkins' side. Speaking with WESH 2, he described the scene:
“As soon as I heard that, I started running and I came over here [where it happened]. That's when I saw the man. 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.”
The Orange County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Jenkins was rushed to Celebration Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Remembering Matthew
Costa later returned to the site to leave a flower in Jenkins' memory. “I had a feeling that it wasn't good,” he said. “I had a feeling.”
The experience left a lasting impact on Costa's outlook on severe weather.
“I have so much more respect for what storms are capable of, what nature's capable of, and we gotta learn how to respect that and know how to deal with it,” he said. “Taking cover during storms right now is absolutely a priority for me.”
Jenkins' father shared his family's gratitude for everyone who came to his son's aid during the emergency.
The medical examiner has not yet released an official cause of death for Matthew Eric Jenkins.
The Disney Fanatic team extends its condolences to Matthew's loved ones during this difficult time.
