Annapolis, Md. (July 28, 2010) — The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) report that the preliminary cause of death in the July 25 jet ski accident of Warren Douglas Smith, 63 of Annapolis, was electrocution. This information was released after the preliminary autopsy of Smith was performed on July 26. The final autopsy will occur within the next month.
The boating accident occurred one-half mile south of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge during Sunday’s severe thunderstorm. The investigation indicated that Smith, who was riding a jet ski prior to the accident, was caught in the storm as he raced back to port. NRP investigators believe Smith was not struck directly by lightning but was electrocuted by a nearby lightning strike. Elmer Sappington, 65 of Severn, was approximately 75 to 100 feet away from Smith on another jet ski when the incident occurred and was not harmed by the lightning.
NRP reminds boaters that summer thunderstorms are common and frequently occur during the late evening hours. Lightning can strike over ten miles away from heavy rain and storms. Anyone caught on the water during a thunderstorm should move to land and seek shelter immediately. As a matter of practice, boaters should review the weather forecast before leaving the dock and plan trips accordingly.
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