BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah, Aug. 20, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — The boater who died in a lightning strike that sent three men into the waters of Bear River early Sunday was a 24-year-old Ogden man named Skyler Granath.
The Box Elder County Sheriff‘s Office released the victim’s name on Monday.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the BESO statement says.
Officials were notified of the accident, in Corinne, at about 12:10 a.m. Sunday.
“The initial investigation indicates that the three individuals on the boat were struck by lightning, causing the boat to capsize and throwing them into the water,” the original news release says.
“Two of the individuals were able to make it to shore and were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The third individual went under the water and could not be located.”
Multiple emergency agencies responded, bringing in divers and boats with sonar capabilities. The body, now known to be that of Granath, was recovered from the water nearly six hours later.
Granath’s fiance was Maddie Palmer, his Facebook page says.
“Early this morning I got the news no one ever wants to get,” Palmer wrote Sunday on her page.
“My amazing husband tragically died in a freak accident. Skyler Granath, his brother Bridger and their close friend Jacob were out fishing when a storm came in quick. As they were trying to get back to the truck they were hit by lightning and the boat capsized. And sadly, Skyler did not make it.
“I’ve lived today as if it was a dream and have been trying to stay strong for our daughter and our expecting baby. And as I was trying to put our daughter to bed tonight it hit me like a ton of bricks, every night she kisses and cuddles her dad to sleep and tonight he wasn’t there. Her crying out for her dada broke me.”
“Skyler was the best dad, the best husband, brother, son, and friend. He was my best friend and will forever be the love of my life. Rest easy my, love. Please watch over us. I will be setting up a GoFundMe and will share it tomorrow.”
As of early Tuesday morning, the GoFundMe page did not seem to be posted. An earlier Facebook post did share that a Skyler Granath memorial account had been created at America First Credit Union. As in all cases, Gephardt Daily cannot guarantee funds will be used for the purposes stated.
“I usually would never ask for money but right now we are really struggling for funeral funds and to pay house payments and any and all bills,” Palmer’s Facebook post says.
“Now that everything has happened I will need a little extra help till I can get back on my feet. And to also help with any medical bills for Bridger and for the baby on the way. Please, anything helps, and if you have any questions about it just let me know. Thanks for everyone’s support and loving messages. I can’t answer them all but I appreciate all of you.”
