Staten Island Man Survives Lightning Strike While Walking to Dentist

Key points

• Thomas Fahmy was struck by lightning on August 27 in Staten Island, New York, while walking to a dentist appointment.
• Doorbell camera footage showed Fahmy, who was carrying an umbrella, collapse after the strike.
• Fahmy described intense burning sensations and numbness in his feet but reported no burns after medical exams.
• He was hospitalized overnight for cardiac monitoring and discharged the following day.
• The CDC advises against carrying metal objects like umbrellas during storms, as they can act as conductors.

Background

Lightning strikes have been a recurring news topic in 2026. In August, a Kansas tourist died after being struck on Mount Etna, and an Ohio golfer survived a strike while filming friends. Earlier in September, a mother and child died in Florida, and a father died in Utah. These incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of lightning, which the CDC notes has a less than one-in-a-million annual strike probability in the U.S.

How outlets are covering it

HuffPost emphasized the rarity of the event and the CDC's advice against carrying metal objects like umbrellas. ABC7 New York focused on the doorbell camera footage and Fahmy's recovery, noting he attended church to give thanks. ABC News highlighted Fahmy's description of the experience as 'surreal' and his belief that he was 'blessed' to survive. Yahoo News focused on the visual evidence of the strike and the fact that Fahmy walked away unharmed. All sources agreed on the basic facts of the incident and Fahmy's survival.

Why it matters

This incident underscores the dangers of lightning during thunderstorms, even for those who are not in open fields. The CDC's advice to avoid carrying metal objects, such as umbrellas, is critical for public safety. Fahmy's survival, despite the severe pain and numbness he experienced, highlights the importance of immediate medical attention and monitoring after a lightning strike.

What to watch

Fahmy is recovering and has returned to his duties. The CDC continues to advise the public to seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms and to avoid carrying metal objects. There are no immediate next steps for Fahmy, but his experience serves as a reminder of the risks associated with lightning.