Hiker dies after lightning strike near summit of American Fork Twin Peaks

American Fork Twin Peaks, where a hiker was fatally struck by lightning near the east summit on July 18, 2026. Photo: Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue

Search and rescue crews and a Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter recovered the 59-year-old man after Saturday’s storm cleared

LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah — A 59-year-old hiker died Saturday after being struck by lightning near the summit of American Fork Twin Peaks, according to Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue.

Crews were called at 12:22 p.m. July 18 following reports that a person had been struck near the summit of the mountain’s east peak. A Utah Department of Public Safety helicopter was dispatched and quickly located the hiker, the search and rescue team said.

The approaching storm initially prevented responders from safely reaching the area. Once the weather cleared, Search and Rescue personnel and the helicopter crew reached the mountain and recovered the hiker, who did not survive.

The operation lasted about two hours.

Snowbird Ski Patrol helped escort the hiker’s companion safely off the mountain, according to the Search and Rescue team.

“Our sincerest condolences go out to the individual’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss,” Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue said in its incident report.

American Fork Twin Peaks rises above the Little Cottonwood Canyon area along the border of Salt Lake and Utah counties.

The National Weather Service advises hikers to check the forecast before entering the backcountry and to immediately leave summits, ridgelines, and other elevated terrain when thunderstorms develop. In mountainous areas, thunderstorms often develop in the afternoon, making early starts important for summit hikes.