Two Men Hospitalized After Lightning Strike on Arizona’s Humphreys Peak

Two men were hospitalized yesterday after being struck by lightning near the summit of Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s highest point, according to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2025. One of the injured men is a resident of Flagstaff, while the other is from Canada. Both sustained burns from the strike, but their current conditions remain unknown. Humphreys Peak, reaching 12,633 feet, is a popular hiking destination, but its exposed summit makes it particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes.

Rescue efforts were initially hampered by inclement weather, grounding aircraft and drones. Rescuers eventually reached the first man around 2:45 p.m., and the second approximately an hour later, utilizing a Stokes basket to carry him down the mountain. “Once you reach a point up there, you clear the tree line, you are the tallest thing on the ground up there,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jon Paxton. “We just urge people to use caution, return back down to the tree line or maybe think about hiking it another day.” You can find more safety tips for hiking in Arizona from the Arizona State Parks website.

The first victim, able to walk, was taken to Flagstaff Medical Center by his wife, while the second was transported by Guardian Medical. This incident underscores the importance of monitoring weather conditions and seeking shelter during thunderstorms, especially at high elevations – learn more about lightning safety from the National Weather Service.

Authorities continue to emphasize the need for hikers to turn back and seek cover when they see approaching storms.