Co-workers witness roofer’s death by lightning strike, melted sock found on foot.

Florida Roofer Struck by Lightning and Killed on the Job

A tragic workplace accident in Deltona, Florida has left a roofer dead after being struck by lightning. Edvin Cinto, a 24-year-old man, was found with a melted sock and burned hair after witnesses saw him appearing stunned before falling through a hole in the incomplete roof. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Cinto was pronounced dead shortly after.

Investigators said 24-year-old Edvin Cinto died Monday after his coworkers reported that he was struck by lightning while working on the roof of a home along Sterling Point Drive in Deltona. He was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. https://t.co/oLfg8YuAai

— News 6 WKMG (@news6wkmg) May 23, 2023

According to a coworker, it wasn’t raining at the job site when the lightning struck, and it was the only bolt they saw. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that preliminary evidence from the scene of the death was indicative of a lightning strike, although an autopsy hadn’t confirmed a cause of death as of Tuesday. Officials with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration arrived on the scene of the accident to investigate the fatality on Tuesday.

A Tragic Loss for Family and Friends

Cinto’s friends and family described him as more than just a figure in a tragic story. “He was a fine guy, dedicated to his job and just a good boy,” said his cousin, Cesario Cinto. The Cinto family is working to transport Edvin’s body back to his native Guatemala for a funeral.

.@OSHA_DOL on scene of home under construction in @CityofDeltonaFL where worker was apparently struck by lightning & fell from roof Monday. 24 yo Edvin Velasquez Cinto died at the hospital. pic.twitter.com/vQfIcoDcLa

— claire metz (@clairemetzwesh) May 23, 2023

Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in America, with the roofing field having the third-highest fatal work injury rate in the nation in 2021, behind only logging workers and fishing and hunting workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Lightning Safety Council has also warned about the dangers of working in the roofing industry during lightning storms.

We can now confirm the 4th #lightning fatality of 2023. A roofer in Deltona, #FLwx was killed by lightning while working on a roof.

Roofing is one of the most dangerous work-related activities with respect to lightning.

Prepare your jobs with weather in mind.#LightningSafety https://t.co/rJHUNxHKQ4 pic.twitter.com/ARxyMlNZv5

— Lightning Safety Council (@LtgSafeCouncil) May 23, 2023

Stay Safe During Lightning Storms

Volusia County Emergency Services Director Jim Judge has cautioned the public against taking the risk of exposure to lightning. “Terrible things do happen to good people, so don’t take any chances with your life or your family,” Judge said. Our thoughts are with Edvin Cinto’s family and friends during this difficult time.