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Highlands Today

Man confirmed dead following Thursday lightning strike

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: June 16, 2009

SEBRING - Representatives from Tampa General Hospital confirmed Monday afternoon that a man struck by lightning while golfing at Spring Lake Golf Resort on Thursday has died.

Alain Hyppolite, a resident of the West Palm Beach area, was at the resort with others for a weekend golf outing. Spring Lake general manager Beth Spikes previously said a bolt of lightning hit a tree on the 18th hole and then ran through the ground to the victim's club. The accident happened shortly after 4 p.m.

Hyppolite was first taken by EMS to Highlands Regional Medical Center. He was later airlifted to Tampa General.

By early Friday afternoon, Hyppolite was listed in critical condition. Several hours later, reports began circulating that he had died, although Tampa General representatives could not be reached for confirmation.

Although Hyppolite's death was confirmed on Monday, hospital personnel would not release the exact date and time.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at (863) 386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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