Washington County, WI – Authorities confirmed this week that a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forester was killed by a lightning strike while working in the New Fane Trail area on Monday.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, 48-year-old Adam Zirbel of Plymouth was reported missing after failing to return home on September 22. A search involving multiple agencies, including the Kewaskum Fire Department, Wisconsin DNR, and Fond du Lac County authorities, located his vehicle in Fond du Lac County. His body was found shortly after 7:40 p.m. in a wooded area of the Town of Kewaskum.
Investigators confirmed that a documented lightning strike occurred in the area around 10:15 a.m. that morning. The Washington County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the cause of death as lightning-related.
The sheriff’s office noted that the United States averages about 20 lightning fatalities per year, underscoring the risks of outdoor work during storms. “This case illustrates the need to take the threat of lightning and the dangers it poses seriously,” authorities said in the release.
Sheriff Martin Schulteis identified Zirbel as a dedicated father, husband, community leader, and public servant. “Adam dedicated his life to the service of others,” Schulteis said. “He died performing a civil service to the people of Wisconsin, and for that, we are all forever grateful for his service.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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