A severe lightning strike during a thunderstorm on the evening of July 16, 2025, turned a routine archery gathering into a scene of tragedy at the Black Knight Bowbenders outdoor archery range in Jackson Township, New Jersey. The strike left one man dead and injured at least 13 others—many of them children—in an incident that has shaken communities across the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area.
Lightning Strike Amid Ominous Skies
The bolt of lightning, described by witnesses as deafening and blinding, struck just after 7:00 p.m. as families and archery enthusiasts gathered at the wooded site on the 600 block of Perrineville Road. Emergency crews arrived within minutes to a chaotic scene: several individuals lay unconscious, others disoriented or suffering burns. The force of the strike had blasted through a tree, splitting it and exposing its charred roots to the air.
Robert Montgomery, a 61-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Despite efforts by emergency medical technicians, including the administration of CPR, Montgomery succumbed to his injuries. Among the injured were at least eight juveniles, some as young as seven and eleven, who sustained a range of injuries from mild disorientation to serious burns.
From Recreation to Rescue
The Black Knight Bowbenders club, a well-established outdoor archery venue, draws participants from across the region. At the time of the strike, the area was filled with children and adults enjoying informal club activities. In the moments following the lightning strike, staff and attendees rushed to aid the injured. Emergency responders quickly transitioned from triage to transport, working under pressure to stabilize victims for evacuation to local hospitals.
“The tree looked like it had exploded from the inside,” said one eyewitness, who asked not to be named. “People were screaming. You could feel the force wave through the ground.”
A Contained Tragedy with Widespread Repercussions
Though the physical damage was confined to the site, the emotional shock reaches far beyond. The archery club is a hub for the region’s recreational sports community, welcoming families from central New Jersey and the New York area. Montgomery was a familiar face to many, described by friends as a dedicated sportsman and community member.
An outpouring of concern has followed from officials and safety advocates alike. In the wake of the tragedy, local leaders and recreation officials across the tri-state area have begun reviewing safety protocols for outdoor activity venues, particularly those located in wooded or open environments vulnerable to sudden weather shifts.
Danger from Above
According to weather reports, thunderstorms developed rapidly over Ocean County during the early evening of July 16. Despite forecasts indicating possible lightning, the sudden intensity of the storm left little time for evacuation before tragedy struck. Experts note that lightning can strike areas up to 10 miles from a storm’s center—clear skies overhead may not indicate safety.
“You’re never truly safe outdoors in a thunderstorm,” said one emergency official on site. “When thunder roars, go indoors. That advice has real weight.”
Children Among the Injured
Of the 13 injured individuals, local hospitals have confirmed that at least eight were minors. Several were briefly unconscious but have since regained consciousness. As of this report, all victims are expected to recover, though some may require extended medical monitoring.
The presence of children among the injured has heightened concerns, particularly as summer brings increased participation in youth sports and outdoor camps. Calls are growing for established lightning detection systems at outdoor venues, as well as improved education on storm safety protocols.
Timeline of Events
- ~7:00 p.m., July 16: Lightning strikes Black Knight Bowbenders archery range.
- Shortly after 7:00 p.m.: Emergency crews arrive to find multiple victims, some unconscious.
- Evening: CPR performed, victims stabilized and transported to medical facilities.
- Morning of July 17: Identity of deceased confirmed as Robert Montgomery; officials confirm injury count.
Calls for Safety Reform
In the aftermath, safety advocates are urging outdoor recreation providers to re-evaluate emergency preparedness strategies. Recommendations include the installation of weather alert systems, designated indoor shelters, and mandatory evacuation plans triggered by severe weather warnings. Many see the tragedy as a wake-up call to take environmental hazards as seriously as any man-made ones.
While the investigation into the incident remains ongoing, authorities have confirmed that the lightning strike was the sole cause. No structural or procedural failures have thus far been identified. However, state and local agencies are expected to conduct a thorough review of emergency response procedures in similar recreational settings.
A Community Mourns, and Moves Forward
As families and community members grapple with the sudden loss and injuries, the reverberations from the strike have sparked a larger conversation about preparedness in unpredictable weather. What began as a peaceful evening of sport ended in heartbreak—but also in a renewed determination to ensure that outdoor venues do more to protect the people who bring them to life.
Montgomery’s death is being mourned deeply, both by those who knew him and those struck by the fragility of safety under open skies. For many, it is a powerful reminder that in nature, any moment can change everything.
