Falk Weltzien, Florida Man, Struck By Lightning While Kitesurfing [Video]

Vilano Beach, Florida — Authorities say a man who was struck by lightning while kitesurfing on a beach in Florida is recovering from his injuries.

According to ABC News, Falk Weltzien, 39, was on Vilano Beach Monday with his 14-year-old son, Kai, when he was knocked unconscious by a bolt of lightning.

Kai recalled the scary moment to News4Jax.com saying that he saw a large blinding flash and felt a small tingle in his arms. He then saw his father lying on the sand.

Kai said he started screaming his father’s name and people ran over to give his dad CPR.

“When I looked at him his eyes were open and he was foaming from the mouth,” Kai said. “Then I didn’t look at him anymore because I was really scared.”

Following the strike, Falk and Kai Weltzein were transported to Flagler Hospital. After a night in the intensive care unit, Falk survived with no major injuries.

According to his wife, Tonya, Falk’s condition was improving. Kai, was released from the hospital Monday night.

“I’m feeling very thankful,” Falk Weltzien said. “I know I could have been dead.”

While lightning strikes themselves are extremely common in the state Florida, St. Johns County Fire-Rescue spokesman Jeremy Robshaw said it’s not very often that rescuers have to deal with people who are actually directly hit by bolts.

“We are in Florida. It is very common to see lightning strikes, a lot of lightning in our area, so it’s something we’re certainly prepared for,” Robshaw said. “We’ve definitely dealt with it, but it is uncommon for us to actually deal with what we think is a confirmed strike.”

For more on Falk Weltzien’s lightning strike, including the 911 call placed after the incident happened, watch the video below: