Tragic Lightning Strike Claims Lives of Two Young Men After Fishing Trip in Waycross, Georgia

Tragic Lightning Strike Claims Lives of Two Young Men After Fishing Trip in Waycross, Georgia

WAYCROSS, GA — In a heartbreaking turn of events, a severe thunderstorm that swept through Ware County has claimed the lives of two promising young men. Eighteen-year-old Joey Nelson Jr. and nineteen-year-old Randall Martin III were tragically struck and killed by lightning on Tuesday evening, July 16, 2025, while returning from a fishing trip near the outskirts of Waycross, Georgia.

The incident has sent waves of shock and sorrow through the Waycross community, as friends, family members, classmates, and neighbors grapple with the devastating loss of two vibrant lives taken far too soon. What began as a peaceful day enjoying nature and bonding over a shared love for fishing ended in unthinkable tragedy when a sudden storm system moved into the region, bringing with it intense lightning, heavy rain, and powerful winds.

According to local authorities, Joey and Randall had spent the afternoon at a secluded fishing spot located near the Satilla River. As the skies began to darken and thunder rumbled in the distance, the two young men began packing up their gear and heading back to their vehicle. They were reportedly walking through an open field when a lightning bolt struck, hitting both young men simultaneously. Emergency services were called immediately, but despite swift response, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Ware County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the area experienced multiple lightning strikes during the fast-moving storm. “It was one of those sudden Georgia storms,” said Sheriff John McLemore. “The kind that roll in with little warning and leave devastation in their wake. Our hearts go out to these families. No parent should ever have to bury their child.”

Joey Nelson Jr., a recent graduate of Ware County High School, was well-known for his easygoing nature, his love of the outdoors, and his dream of becoming a wildlife biologist. He was described by his teachers as bright, compassionate, and deeply curious about the natural world. His friends remember him as someone who could always make you laugh, no matter the situation, and who was always up for an adventure.

Randall Martin III, a 2023 graduate of Pierce County High School, was attending South Georgia State College, studying mechanical engineering. He had a strong work ethic, a passion for building and tinkering with machines, and a quiet but steady presence that made people feel safe and valued. He and Joey had been close friends since middle school, bonded by a shared love of fishing, music, and weekend camping trips.

“This is a loss that hits our community to its core,” said Pastor Jonathan Daniels of Grace Chapel, where both families are longtime members. “These boys were good kids. They loved their families, their friends, and the simple joys of life in South Georgia. Our congregation is mourning alongside their loved ones. We are praying for strength, peace, and comfort in the days ahead.”

The tragedy has also served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by lightning and the importance of heeding weather warnings. The National Weather Service confirmed that Tuesday’s storm produced over 100 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in less than an hour across the region.

In response to the tragedy, local schools and organizations have begun offering grief counseling for students and community members. A candlelight vigil is scheduled to be held this Friday night at the Ware County High School football field, where both young men had spent many Friday nights cheering on the Gators. Organizers encourage attendees to wear camouflage or fishing-themed clothing to honor Joey and Randall’s love for the outdoors.

A joint memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 20th, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Chapel in Waycross. The families have invited the public to attend and celebrate the lives of these two young men whose time on earth was tragically brief but deeply meaningful.

As the community mourns, many are choosing to remember Joey and Randall not just for how they died, but for how they lived—with heart, with joy, and with a bond of friendship that endured through storms both literal and figurative. They leave behind grieving families, lifelong friends, and a community forever changed by their loss