A press release on August 10, 2025 from Palmyra Public Safety reported the following:

“At approximately 4:14 p.m. on [Saturday] August 9, Palmyra Fire Rescue was notified by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch of a reported male subject struck by lightning and not breathing. Dispatch pinged their phone at the nearest address of W566 Carlin Road, which is the Emma Carlin Ice Age Trail Head leading into the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Dispatch further advised that CPR was in progress.

At 4:15 p.m., Palmyra EMS responded and requested mutual aid, including a paramedic intercept from Western Lakes and Sullivan Fire Department with a UTV due to the terrain….

Upon arrival, crews deployed with assistance from a DNR Warden to locate the patient, as cell service in the area was limited and location tracking via phone proved difficult. Multiple trails were searched before two hikers were located approximately one mile off the roadway.

The male subject was found semi-conscious with a pulse, and signs of a lightning strike were visible on a nearby tree. It was determined that both patients were in close proximity to the tree at the time of the strike. The ligtning caused a ground current, which rendered both individuals unconscious. The female hiker regained consciousness first and was able to render aid to the male.

Following a rapid assessment, both patients were safely extracted from the scene through a coordinated effort, involving multiple fire response units and the UTV. The female hiker declined further care, while the male hiker was transported to Aurora Summit in Oconomowoc for additional treatment…”

Editor’s note: As of Sunday evening, no update was found on the condition of the male hiker.