A 59‑year‑old hiker died after a lightning strike near the summit of American Fork Twin Peaks, the highest point in Salt Lake County.
The man and his brother began their ascent on Saturday morning, using the Snowbird tram to reach the mid‑mountain area before continuing on foot to the east peak.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., the pair stopped for lunch and observed the sky darkening. Believing the weather would remain clear, they chose to press on.
The brother reached the east peak first, turned back as conditions worsened, while the deceased hiker continued toward the summit. He collapsed about 20 feet away, an event the surviving brother identified as a lightning strike.
The surviving brother hurried to regain cellphone service and called emergency responders shortly after noon. A Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter located the victim near the summit, but rescuers waited for the storm to pass before reaching him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
American Fork Twin Peaks rises to 11,461 feet, making it a prominent destination for local hikers.
Authorities emphasized that mountain weather can change abruptly and urged hikers to check forecasts, avoid exposed ridgelines during storms, descend to lower ground, stay away from isolated trees and bodies of water, and, if shelter is unavailable, crouch low with feet together until the storm passes.
The investigation remains open while the medical examiner determines the official cause of death.
