Phyllis Kalinowski: Mother of two struck dead by lightning while relaxing on Florida beach

Mike Gallagher

May 29, 2013 - 09:42

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Phyllis Kalinowski: Mother of two struck dead by lightning while relaxing on Florida beach

Heartbreaking loss: Phyllis Kalinowski, 51, pictured with her husband of 26 years, Paul, was struck and killed by a lightning rod while spending time on the beach with a friend

A woman was struck and killed by lightning Tuesday night along Belleair Beach, authorities said.

The victim was 51-year-old Phyllis D. Kalinawski of Brandon, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

It happened around 6:15 p.m.

Kalinawski was visiting the beach with a friend when the storm hit. The two had separated prior to the bad weather.

"After the storm passed somewhat, she noticed her friend was not in the area and went looking for her, and unfortunately found her on the beach," said Sgt. David DiSano with PCSO.

Kalinawski's friend, 45-year-old Dawn Ryskoskis went looking for her. She found her on the beach with injuries from the lightning strike, investigators said.

Florida has the highest number of lightning strikes of any state in the U.S.