Tragedy after hiker, 19, sheltered in tin shack dies during thunderstorm on Utah trail

September 21, 2026

A teenage hiker has died after being hit by lightning while taking shelter during a thunderstorm.

The 19-year-old man, who has not yet been identified, was huddled inside the metal hut known as the ‘Tin Shack’ on the peak of Mount Timpanogos in Utah with nine others early on Friday morning.

Lightning then hit the structure, killing the man and leaving all nine others with injuries.

Hikers alerted authorities at around 6am on Friday, the Daily Herald reported.

Emergency responders rushed to the top of the mountain and tried to save the man’s life but he was pronounced dead shortly after. Daily Mail