VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers have released the identity of the 45-year-old motorcyclist who was killed by a lightning strike as he rode on Interstate 95 on Sunday.

  • Benjamin Austin Lee was from Charlotte, NC
  • Troopers say lightning "shattered" man's helmet
  • He was headed southbound on I-95 when struck

The incident happened just after 2 p.m. between State Road 40 and U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach, authorities said. 

Benjamin Austin Lee, from Charlotte, N.C., was traveling southbound on I-95 when lightning struck the top of his helmet, troopers said. He lost control of the motorcycle and left the road.

Lee was thrown from the motorcycle, according to an FHP report, and died at the scene.

picture of the helmet released by FHP shows a large crack on top.

Pete Maravelley was driving on I-95 on his way to Brevard County when he saw lightning in the area.

"(There were) quite a few strikes... many lightning alerts on my phone," Maravelley said. "It was going off crazy."

The motorcycle crash caused traffic delays on I-95.

"We were in this for over an hour," Maravelley said. "(It was) stop and go for over an hour." 

Many drivers used U.S. 1 as a detour until I-95 reopened.

Former officer describes own experience

Dan Fisher said he was struck by lightning in 1986 while on his motorcycle, and says he feels for the North Carolina man who was killed.

Fisher was working for Palm Bay Police and wearing his uniform when he was also struck on I-95 in Brevard County.

“Came out from under the overpass, (that's) when the lightning hits me on my motorcycle,” Fisher recalled.

Fisher said he was hit on his shoulder, and the current moved down his back. He still has a scar on his lower back, and even the uniform he was wearing that day.

“Burns in the collar and on the inside... ” he described.

Fisher said he doesn’t really remember anything after being struck. He said he lost consciousness and some good Samaritans helped him by administering CPR.

“If those people had not showed up, I wouldn’t be here talking to you,” Fisher said.

He said anytime he hears thunder now, he heads indoors.