A tragic incident unfolded at a New Jersey golf course when a golfer was fatally struck by lightning during a tournament. The victim, 28-year-old Simon John Mariani, was playing on the 15th hole at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hardyston on July 8 when a severe storm swept through the area. Mariani succumbed to his injuries a few days later, as confirmed by an online obituary.
Brian Delia, a fellow golfer, captured the ominous clouds on video just moments before the lightning struck Mariani, who was approximately 300 yards ahead of him. Delia recounted the chilling moment, stating that he had just finished recording the video when the lightning struck. He and his group immediately headed back to the clubhouse.
Quick-thinking golfers and an off-duty firefighter on the scene immediately performed CPR on Mariani before he was airlifted to a nearby hospital. However, despite their efforts, Mariani did not survive.
A representative from Crystal Springs Resort, which manages Ballyowen Golf Course, stated that the weather conditions had changed rapidly on the day of the incident. The staff had reportedly sounded an alarm to warn golfers of the impending danger from the lightning. However, Delia and his group claimed they did not hear any such warning. According to Delia, the alarm was only sounded after they had returned to the clubhouse and the police had arrived.
Mariani, a Franklin Lakes resident, was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He completed his undergraduate degree in accounting and economics in 2019 and later earned a master’s degree in finance in 2024. At the time of his death, he was working as an associate at MTS Health Partners in New York City.
In his personal life, Mariani was known for his love of painting, baking, and photography. He was also a fan of Taylor Swift and Jimmy Buffett, and had a fondness for sweet treats and well-done sesame bagels, as per his obituary. A funeral mass for Mariani is scheduled to take place at the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Franklin Lakes. He is survived by his parents, Scott and Kathleen Mariani, and his two sisters.