A 19-year-old New Jersey lifeguard who was killed by a lightning strike that injured seven other people was remembered as a “special guy” from Toms River known for his fearlessness.
Keith Pinto was killed in the strike, which injured three other lifeguards and four beachgoers at the White Sands Beach in South Seaside Park about 4:30 p.m. Monday, the Asbury Park Press reported.
“Words cannot describe how so many of us are feeling right now. We lost a special guy tonight, one who was so close and meant so much to so many people,” wrote Chase Vander Vliet, who organized a fundraiser for Pinto’s family.
“It would be impossible to get it all into words how much our friend meant to us but we all know how amazing he was. Keith has left behind an overwhelming amount of amazing memories that will live in our hearts forever,” Vliet wrote.
“Our hearts are broken by what happened and all our love and support goes out to the Pinto family and all others affected by this tragedy. We’re gonna miss you so much brother,” he added about the graduate of Toms River High School North.
Pinto’s friend Abby Spurling remembered the high school track runner.
“He was never upset or afraid of anything. He always had a good time,” Spurling told CBS2.
Another friend, Giana Verlangieri, said: “It’s heartbreaking because someone from our graduating class is gone and he can’t experience life with the rest of us.”
The injured include a 50-year-old woman, a 51-year-old man and a 19-year-old man, law enforcement sources told NBC Philadelphia.
The seven were reportedly taken to the Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment of headaches, dizziness and hearing issues.
National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Carr said that even if lightning was in the area when a cluster of thunderstorms approached the New Jersey coast Monday, no severe thunderstorm warnings or advisories would have been issued because no strong winds or hail were expected.
“Thunderstorms are expected to prompt some lightning during any weather event, all you can really go off of when heading out to the beach is monitor the forecast,” Carr told the Asbury Park Press.
“Basically there is an ‘X’ chance of thunderstorms and we determine advisories based off radar. We don’t put out products specifically for lightning,” he added.
Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement, “Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured.
“I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time,” he added.
