An Ohio golfer captured the terrifying moment lightning struck him while he filmed his friends during a thunderstorm.
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Chris Schiavone was playing at Pebble Creek Golf Course near Cincinnati on Friday when severe weather rolled into the area.
As conditions worsened, the group's golf cart became stuck in the mud, prompting Schiavone to pull out his phone and record his friends attempting to free it.
However, the lighthearted video took a frightening turn when a lightning bolt struck Schiavone's arm and sent him crashing to the ground.
Lightning Strike Caught on Camera at Ohio Golf Course
Schiavone said he temporarily lost feeling throughout his body following the strike and also experienced problems with his hearing.
Reports state that he suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is now recovering from the frightening encounter.
Schiavone later shared the remarkable footage on social media, where it quickly went viral and amassed more than two million views.
"1 in a 1,000,000 they say, very lucky and blessed," he wrote.
"[lightning] is no joke!"
The video shows two of Schiavone's friends sitting inside the golf cart while another attempts to push the vehicle from behind.
Schiavone can be heard laughing as he films the situation, apparently while standing beneath a tree and holding an umbrella.
Moments later, a bright flash fills the screen as lightning strikes and sends Schiavone to the ground, abruptly ending the recording.
Viral Video Sparks Safety Debate
As the dramatic footage spread across social media, many viewers criticized Schiavone for remaining underneath a tree with an umbrella during the thunderstorm.
"Dude, holding an umbrella while standing under a tree in a lightning storm is about as bad idea as jumping out of an airplane without a parachute on or sleeping outside in a bathing suit and subzero temperatures," one user said.
Another commented, "Before the strike I was thinking, doesn't every golfer know not to shelter under a tree? Guess not."
The reaction appeared to reflect a widespread sentiment among viewers, with one of the critical comments alone attracting nearly 12,000 likes.
The National Weather Service advises people to seek safe indoor shelter as soon as they hear thunder rather than waiting for rain or lightning to intensify.
Golf courses and other open spaces can leave people particularly exposed during thunderstorms, while sheltering near isolated tall objects such as trees can also increase the danger.
