Struck By Lightning, Killed While Bathing

Northern Advocate, 4 January 1946, Page 2

Struck By Lightning, Killed While Bathing

(P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. A married man, Mr Mervyn Lloyd Candy, aged 35, residing at Mersey Street, St. Albans, was killed when bathing at North Brighton Beach yesterday, apparently through being struck by lightning. Mr Candy, who was spending his holidays with his wife at New Brighton, went bathing at about 2 o’clock yesterday afternoon with Mr A. T. Dalton, president of the North Brighton Surf Club, and Mr S. Nicholls, another member of the club.

When they were about 100 yards from the shore there was a terrific flash of lightning and a crash of thunder which left Mr. Dalton and Mr Nicholls dazed.

As 'hey reached the beach they noticed a signal that a bather was in difficulties and that a team of surf club members was taking to the water. Dazed as they were by. the shock, they thought Mr. Candy was following them to tiie shore. They returned to the water and almost immediately found the body and brought it to the shore. SAW LIGHTNING STRIKE Spectators on the beach said they plainly saw the lightning strike Mr. Candy on the head, but when the body was brought to the land there was no sign of injury or burning, as migljt have been expected. Many people spending the day on the beach felt a severe shock when the lightning struck and the North Beach Surf Club pavilion shook and rattled.

Men who had recently returned with the fighting forces described the noise as similar to heavy rifle or machinegun fire. , STRONG SWIMMER

, Mr. Candy was a strong swimmer and a regular surf bather. He was a member of the Elmwood Swimming' Club for many years and a member of the present committee of the club.

He was also a valuable member of the Sumner Surf Club teams a few years ago.