Hiker Reportedly Struck by Lightning at Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Hospitalized in Powell County

A hiker was reportedly struck by lightning on Saturday afternoon at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Powell County, prompting an emergency response and transportation to a local hospital for medical treatment, LEX 18 reported.

The incident occurred at the state resort park during a time when visitors are commonly outdoors, according to the report. Responders treated the person at the scene and then moved them to a nearby hospital for further care.

LEX 18 did not report the hiker’s name, age, or current medical condition in the coverage shared Tuesday. It also did not provide details on the circumstances leading up to the strike beyond the location and that the person was transported for treatment.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a state-operated facility that draws hikers and families to the area around the park’s natural features. Lightning strikes can pose serious risks to people in open areas or near exposed terrain, making rapid response and evacuation a core part of safety operations during storms.

The reported hospitalization means the immediate focus remains on the hiker’s condition and any follow-up medical evaluation at the hospital. Public updates on the outcome and whether any additional information will be released were not included in the LEX 18 report.

Local emergency management and park personnel generally coordinate responses to on-site incidents, including requesting medical services and handling access for responders. The LEX 18 report described the sequence as a strike followed by transport for treatment.

As of the time of the report, authorities had not publicly outlined additional charges or investigative findings, and no cause beyond the reported lightning strike was specified. Additional updates would depend on further statements from the responding agencies and hospital personnel, if released.