The couple’s delayed honeymoon took a devastating turn after the groom died in a tragic accident.
Jake Rosencranz, 29, and his wife Leah were vacationing in Florida following their 2023 wedding.
The delayed honeymoon is a trip the pair had both been looking forward to, but things took a heartbreaking turn on Friday (June 20).
The couple set out on a trip to the beach, with the weather forecast suggesting clear and sunny skies, despite bad weather further inland.
The 29-year-old walked down the sand to take a dip in the sea, but made it just ankle-deep before the horrific incident took place.
Statistics suggest that the odds of dying in the way the newlywed did is one in a million, and even still, 90 percent would survive.
His devastated family has launched a GoFundMe page and has received over $140,150.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, colleagues from his place of work said: “Jake Rosencranz was a great friend and beloved colleague.
“We are heartbroken over this terrible loss.
“We are sending love and support to his wife, Leah, and his family. He will be missed.”
The sad tragedy was as a result of the new husband being struck by lightning.
“It was the most crackling, electrical hit you could imagine – I mean like fierce,” one witness told local news.
He immediately collapsed into the water, and bystanders helped to rescue him.
Volusia County Beach Safety have noted that Rosencranz was struck by a ‘blue sky lightning strike,’ which can allegedly occur even when the sky is clear.
A nurse that happened to be nearby started administering CPR to the young man.
Another witness said: “You could tell it was bad because they started chest compressions immediately.”
Tamra Malphurs, the Director of Volusia County Beach Safety, released a statement which read: “On Friday, June 20, a 29-year-old man from Colorado was struck by lightning shortly before 12:30 p.m. while standing in ankle-deep water in New Smyrna Beach.
“CPR was immediately initiated, and we performed life-saving measures.”
She added: “He was transported from the scene unresponsive, and he sadly lost his life from the injuries he sustained.”
The newlyweds had been together for several years prior to their marriage, and shared many snaps on Instagram of trips they had been on, and things they had experienced together.
County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, noted: “At 29 years old, he should have had many more anniversaries with her for years to come.
“Sending sincere condolences to this young woman on behalf of all of us.”
The sweet couple lived in a high-rise apartment in Denver together, after tying the knot two years ago.
The sheriff added: “They were visiting our beaches to celebrate their marriage.
“In one terrifying second, everything changed.”
You can donate to the GoFundMe here.