Tragedy struck when a 26-year-old Brit named Scott Seddon was killed by lightning while paddleboarding in the Agia Agathi area of Rhodes. According to local Greek media, as lightning began to strike the area, Scott’s girlfriend and onlookers desperately urged him to leave the water, but their warnings came too late.
Reports suggest that Scott’s girlfriend captured the horrifying moment on her phone, as she had been filming him from the beach. Greek authorities have now taken possession of the phone as part of their investigation.
Witnesses at the beach rushed to help pull Scott out of the water following the incident, but despite the efforts of emergency services, he tragically passed away at the scene. Brazilian football player Wander Machado, 47, was among those who responded quickly to help, risking his own safety in the process.
Wander described the urgency of the situation and his immediate efforts to bring Scott ashore. He administered first aid upon reaching the shore, but despite hearing Scott’s heartbeat and pulse, the resuscitation attempts by emergency responders were ultimately unsuccessful.
Scott’s father, Steve, and sister, Layla, are devastated by his untimely death. A family friend shared that Scott had previously lived in Greece with his family and had a fondness for the country. While they now visit their holiday home there, they primarily reside elsewhere.
The Central Port Authority of Rhodes has launched an investigation into the incident, and an autopsy is scheduled to take place at Rhodes general hospital to determine the exact cause of death. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is providing support to Scott’s family and maintaining contact with local authorities during this difficult time.
