Lightning Kills Palmdale Man in His Backyard

A U.S. Forest Service worker was killed after being struck by lightning in his home’s backyard Sunday morning, authorities said.

Robert J. Culbertson, 47, was hit during a lightning storm in the early morning hours, said Sgt. Mike Graham of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies and firefighters found Culbertson after responding to a call of a burning tree in the 38500 block of Larkin Avenue about 6:45 a.m. The victim was lying on the ground about 10 feet from the base of the smoldering tree, which was also struck by lightning.

An engine company found Culbertson in cardiac arrest, just minutes after he was struck, said Scott Clark, a Los Angeles County firefighter who went to the man’s rescue.

Two thunderstorms had moved through the area, beginning about 3 a.m.

“It was basically pouring down rain. There was thunder and lightning all around us,” Clark said.

Smoke was coming out of Culbertson’s clothes when paramedics found him, Clark said.

It was not clear what Culbertson was doing in the backyard or whether he was directly hit by the lightning or leaning against the tree when it struck.

Culbertson had an entry wound on his right shoulder and electrical burns on his arms, chest, stomach and legs. He was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, where he was pronounced dead, Clark said.

A 25-year veteran of the U.S. Forest Service, Culbertson worked in the Mojave River Ranger District of the Angeles National Forest, said Forest Service spokeswoman Randi Jorgensen. He had worked as a fire prevention patrolman, an engine captain and, since April, as a dispatcher. Culbertson was scheduled to work Sunday.

Culbertson is survived by his wife, Gail.

“He was very well liked. I found him always there whenever I needed anything,” Jorgensen said. “He will be missed by a lot of people.”