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On May 25, 2024, lightning killed 51-year-old rancher Mike Morgan while he was feeding cattle in an open pasture near Rand, Colorado. The Jackson County Coroner’s Office reported that the same strike killed 34 of his cattle; Morgan’s wife and father-in-law were nearby and survived.
About 100 cattle were gathered around the hay trailer and were knocked down, according to the county coroner. The public reporting does not establish the precise electrical path that killed the cattle, so it should not be described as a confirmed case-specific ground-current finding.
What happened near Rand, Colorado?
Morgan was feeding cattle in an open pasture near Rand on Saturday, May 25, 2024. The Associated Press reported that the pasture was about 80 miles (129 kilometers) northwest of Denver. Local coverage said Morgan had finished branding cattle before he began feeding them.
Jackson County Coroner George Crocket told the Associated Press that approximately 100 cattle gathered around the hay trailer were knocked over by the strike. “All but the 34 got up,” he said. The coroner’s office reported that Morgan and 34 cattle died.
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Morgan’s wife and father-in-law were nearby and survived. The public reports establish that they were present, but do not explain their exact positions or why they were not injured.
How did one lightning strike kill a rancher and 34 cattle?
Officials reported that one lightning strike killed Morgan and 34 head of cattle. That does not establish that the lightning channel directly hit every animal. The sources reviewed do not provide a forensic reconstruction of the strike or the electrical path for each animal.
Ground current is a recognized way lightning can injure animals, but it has not been established as the precise cause of the cattle deaths in this incident. Any explanation of the mechanism in this case should be treated as unconfirmed.
What is known about the cattle deaths?
The coroner reported 34 cattle died. Approximately 100 were knocked down, and all but 34 got up, according to his account to the Associated Press. The available reporting does not provide a verified breakdown by age or sex.
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How did the community respond?
A May 27, 2024, CBS Colorado report described Morgan as a respected member of the small community and said neighbors rallied around his wife and daughter. Friend Jim Sandberg told the outlet that neighbors gathered to bury the cattle.
That same report said an online fundraiser had raised nearly $10,000 at the time it was published. This was a dated 2024 report; it does not establish whether a fundraiser is currently active or authorized, so readers should not treat it as a current donation request.
Lightning safety for ranchers and outdoor workers
Colorado Public Radio interviewed Chris Vagasky, a meteorologist with the National Lightning Safety Council, about lightning risks for outdoor workers. He said ranching and farming are among the activities in which people are killed by lightning, and advised workers to watch for towering clouds and wrap up activities as storms build.
Vagasky said, “There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. No matter if there are trees around, (or) if you are in a town, anywhere outdoors during a thunderstorm is a dangerous place to be.” His guidance is general safety advice, not an explanation of how the strike traveled in Morgan’s case.
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- When storms are building, stop outdoor work and move toward a substantial building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle.
- If caught outdoors, seek shelter as soon as possible. A building or enclosed vehicle reduces risk but does not make being outdoors safe during a thunderstorm.
- Once indoors, follow expert guidance to stay away from plumbing and plugged-in devices during the storm.
These recommendations are based on the May 2024 Colorado Public Radio interview with Vagasky. They do not imply that a particular device or product could have prevented this tragedy.
Colorado lightning statistics
Denver7 reported in 2024 that the National Weather Service recorded an average of two lightning deaths and 12 injuries per year in Colorado, based on data beginning in 1980. Denver7 also reported an NWS estimate of about 500,000 ground strikes in Colorado in an average year. These figures are attributed to the NWS as reported by Denver7; the underlying agency data were not independently reviewed for this article.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
How many cattle died in the lightning strike near Rand?
The Jackson County Coroner’s Office reported that 34 of Morgan’s cattle died. The coroner said about 100 cattle were knocked down and all but the 34 got up.
Did lightning directly hit all 34 cattle?
The public reports do not establish that. They report that one lightning strike killed Morgan and 34 cattle, but do not provide a forensic reconstruction of how the electricity reached each animal.
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- Instruction:Each safety reflective tag comes with a convenient lanyard for easy carrying and storage. It can be attached to backpacks, keychains, zippers or other suitable places.
- High-Visibility Reflective Surface:The reflective keychain effectively captures and reflects light from vehicle headlights or natural light sources, significantly enhancing visibility in low-light conditions for easy identification from a distance.
- Durable Construction for Outdoor Elements:Made from resilient materials designed to maintain their form and reflective properties.
- Reflective Trim Design:This reflective keychain pendant does not emit light on its own; it only produces a strong reflective effect when illuminated by a light source.
Were other people nearby?
Yes. Morgan’s wife and father-in-law were nearby and survived, according to the reporting.
What should ranch workers do as a thunderstorm approaches?
Colorado Public Radio’s interview with National Lightning Safety Council meteorologist Chris Vagasky advises outdoor workers to watch for building storms, wrap up activities, and seek a substantial building or fully enclosed metal vehicle. He emphasizes that there is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm.
The Bottom Line
On May 25, 2024, lightning killed rancher Mike Morgan and 34 cattle near Rand, Colorado. The coroner said about 100 cattle were knocked down and all but 34 got up; Morgan’s wife and father-in-law survived. The public reporting does not establish the precise electrical path that caused the cattle deaths.
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