US tourist struck by lightning, dies hiking active volcano in Italy

An American tourist was killed by a lightning strike on Sicily’s Mount Etna while hiking in an area that was closed to visitors due to recent volcanic activity, Italian firefighters said Monday. The 29-year-man from Kansas was rescued by helicopter after being struck Sunday evening in an exposed area above the tree line. He was later declared dead by medical personnel. His name was not released. Mount Etna’s eruptive phase persists with fluctuating explosive dynamics at the Voragine summit crater on Aug. 10, 2026, in Catania, Sicily, Italy. Anadolu via Getty Images A drone view shows lava being ejected from a crater and molten lava flowing in Sicily, Italy on Aug. 13. REUTERS Authorities are no longer letting hikers climb near Mount Etna due to the volcano’s eruptive activity. Anadolu via