Golfer Dead at 28 In Freak Lightning Accident

A 28-year-old New Jersey man who was struck by lightning while playing in a golf tournament in his home state died earlier this week.

Simon John Mariani was competing in an Iron Man golf event at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hamburg, New Jersey last Tuesday when he was hit by lightning at the 15th hole, according to reports. Mariani died "unexpectedly" Monday, according to his obituary from Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home. 

Described in his obit as "driven, dedicated, smart, likeable and exceptionally talented," Mariani was a lifelong resident of Franklin Lakes, N.J. and a 2019 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He also earned an MBA in finance from the school in 2024.

At the time of his death, Mariani was working as an Associate at MTS Health Partners in New York City. He is survived by his parents Scott and Kathleen, sisters Samantha and Sophia and "many cherished family members and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts."

Brian Delia, another golfer who was playing in the same event as Mariani, told WABC he saw gathering storm clouds at the 15th hole and retreated to the clubhouse for safety after completing the previous hole.

"As an adult and as an avid golfer, when I see lightning, I'm not going to sit there and hold a metal golf club, so we immediately left," Delia said.

Delia also said there were no official warning alerts or sirens telling players to get off the course. He added that before authorities arrived, Mariani's father -- who he had been playing with -- performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on his son while other golfers were administered CPR.

The Hardyston Police Department said they received a 911 call at around 1:53 p.m. that day indicating someone had been injured on the course. Upon arrival, they "provided care to the victim until paramedics arrived."

We would like to extend our condolences to Mariani's family and friends during this difficult time.