29-year-old Wichita man identified as tourist killed by lightning strike on Italy's Mount Etna - KAKE
A 29-year-old Wichita man, Dylan Standfast, died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Italy. Local authorities had previously warned of risks due to the volcano's ongoing eruptive activity.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the dangers of tourism in areas with active geological hazards and the importance of adhering to local safety warnings.
WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) — A Wichita man has been identified as the tourist killed by a lightning strike on Sicily’s Mount Etna this week.
Dylan Standfast , 29, was rescued by helicopter after being struck Sunday evening in an exposed, barren area on Mount Etna. Standfast was reportedly in "serious" condition when rescue crews arrived at about 8 p.m. on Sunday, and was later declared dead by medical personnel.
Standfast worked as a community activity coordinator at St. Paul University Parish at Wichita State University from 2020 to 2022, the parish confirmed Tuesday. Standfast was not a parishioner at the time of his death, a spokesperson for the parish said.
In a statement, the Catholic Diocese of Wichita said: "...pray for Dylan’s soul and for the [Standfast] family who have been great friends of St. Paul."
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