Lightning Strike Victim Was Former SBCC Student

The man who was killed during a lightning strike at Venice Beach was identified as 20-year-old Nick Fagnano of Los Angeles.

Fagnano attended Santa Barbara City College for one semester in the fall of 2013.

People at City College were shocked to hear the news even if they didn’t know Fagnano personally.

“That is very bizarre but when it’s our time, it’s our time. Prayers go out with the family though,” said student Chris Smith.

The National Weather Service said lightning strikes are rare and if Southern California does see them, it’s during the winter storms not in the summer.

Emergency crews treated at least 13 patients at the beach Sunday. According to officials, they were either in or near the water.

A surfer remains in critical condition at the UCLA Medical Center.