Autopsy To Determine Whether Bakersfield Man Fatally Struck By Lightning

BAKERSFIELD (AP) — An autopsy will determine whether a Bakersfield man who died during weekend thunderstorms was hit by lightning.

Kern County sheriff's spokesman Ray Pruitt says family members found Stephen Ermigarat unresponsive under a tree Saturday evening.

First-responders attempted CPR but the 62-year-old banking executive was eventually declared dead at the scene.

Pruitt says the tree had burn marks and splintered limbs, indicating it was hit by lightning.

An autopsy is planned this week to determine whether Ermigarat was also struck.

Pruitt says lightning was prevalent as a storm system moved through the area Saturday.

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