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Golfer Dead At 28 After Being Struck By Lighting

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 1:14 PM ET

Tragedy struck a New Jersey golf course this month as a 28-year-old golfer was killed in a lightning strike.

According to ABC News, Simon John Mariani was playing golf at the Ballyowen Golf Course in Hamburg, New Jersey when he was struck by a bolt of lightning at the 15th hole. The incident occurred on July 8 during an "all-day Iron Man golf competition" but he passed away this past Monday.

"Mariani was participating in an all-day Iron Man golf competition when he was struck by the bolt of lightning, Brian Delia, a fellow golfer who witnessed the strike, told ABC New York station WABC last week," the outlet reported.

Mariani's father and other golfers attempted to keep him alive with CPR and mouth-to-mouth until emergency responders arrived.

Simon Mariani, 28, was hit by lightning last week at the Ballyowen Golf Course in Sussex County. He died Monday. Mariani is being remembered as a driven and smart young man. - https://t.co/MlOgGO5u2D pic.twitter.com/PXpwgtIwgM
— News12NJ (@News12NJ) July 16, 2025

In his obituary, Mariani's family highlighted his being a Notre Dame graduate who got his degree in Accounting and Economics. He had been working at PwC and three years, earned his CPA and received a Master's in Finance from Notre Dame just last year.

"Outside of his professional life, Simon embraced all things family and enjoyed painting, photography and baking. He also loved the outdoors, including the beach, boating, fishing, hiking, golfing and skiing. He recently visited Utah’s Big 5 National Parks and hiked Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. He enjoyed playing, and also watching, various sports including soccer, football, hockey, baseball and Formula 1. His favorite teams included the Yankees, Devils, Jets, Notre Dame and ManU. Simon’s family game night favorites were Catan, Trekking the National Parks, Risk, Scooby-Doo Group Photo and Euchre. He also enjoyed bowling, darts, cornhole and fantasy sports," the obituary said.

"Simon loved Diet Coke, water, lemonade, steak, pizza, Cheerios, well-done sesame bagels and chocolate-frosted donuts with sprinkles, plain hamburgers and hot dogs, turkey sandwiches, pretzels, Tostitos, vanilla fingers, chocolate chip cookies, M&Ms and chocolate ice cream. His favorite musicians were Taylor Swift and Jimmy Buffett, and his favorite movies were Jurassic Park, Interstellar, the Pirates of the Caribbean, Jaws and My Cousin Vinny. His favorite color was yellow. Simon’s love for his family, career, the outdoors and sports reflected his zest for life. Simon had the heart of a Champion.

SOUTH BEND, IN - AUGUST 30: The mural at the Hesburgh Library, commonly known as "Touchdown Jesus" is seen on the campus of Notre Dame University before a game between the Norte Dame Fighting Irish and the Rice Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on August 30, 2014 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

"He is survived by his loving parents, Scott and Kathleen Mariani of Franklin Lakes, and his two beloved sisters, Samantha and Sophia. He is also survived by many cherished family members and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts."

Our hearts go out to Mariani's family and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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