Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - An American tourist has died after being struck by lightning while hiking on Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, during a period of heightened volcanic and weather activity.
The 29-year-old man from Kansas was found Sunday evening in the Rocca Capra area at about 1,400 metres above sea level. Rescue crews arrived by helicopter and attempted to revive him before he was taken to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania, where he was pronounced dead.
The tragedy comes as Mount Etna remains highly active, with lava flows, explosive activity and ash emissions affecting parts of Sicily.
Several areas of the volcano have been closed or restricted because of the heightened activity, while volcanic ash has also disrupted operations at nearby Catania Airport. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tourist’s presence in the area.
The incident is a stark warning to visitors drawn to Etna’s dramatic scenery and ongoing eruptions: conditions on an active volcano can change rapidly, especially during thunderstorms.
Hikers are being urged to respect closure signs, follow official safety instructions and avoid exposed areas when severe weather develops. With Etna continuing to show intense activity, safety remains an immediate priority for tourists exploring the volcano.
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