Golfer struck by lightning at Loch March has died; chief coroner is investigating

Under the Ontario Coroners Act, the office of the chief coroner must investigate all deaths that are sudden and unexpected or appear to be from unnatural causes.

Published Jun 30, 2023 • Last updated 12 hours ago • 1 minute read

Loch March Golf & Country Club in Ottawa. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia

The office of Ontario’s chief coroner is investigating the death of Jesse Hawkins, one of two golfers struck by lightning at an Ottawa-area course earlier this week.

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Hawkins and another man were golfing at a club on Old Carp Road in Kanata when a storm swept through the region late Monday afternoon. They were struck by lightning at about 5:48 p.m.

Paramedics reported that both men had critical injuries. They required resuscitation and were transported to hospital in life-threatening condition.

This newspaper later confirmed that the incident occurred at the Loch March Golf & Country Club.

Under the Ontario Coroners Act, the office of the chief coroner must investigate all deaths that are sudden and unexpected or appear to be from unnatural causes.

Paramedics have reminded people that, while it is rare to be struck by lightning in Ottawa, they should seek shelter if they hear thunder.

Golf carts, convertibles, tractors or other vehicles that are not closed structures will not protect people despite having rubber tires between them and the ground.

Being inside closed vehicles or closed structures offers better protection, paramedics said.