The Human Lightning Rod
Statistically speaking, Sullivan’s job as a park ranger naturally makes him significantly more exposed to storms than your average Joe, meaning lightning strikes are kind of a work-related hazard. Along with that, Virginia has a pretty high lightning range with approximately thirty-five to forty-five thunderstorm days each year.
Source: Reddit
But even with all those factors considered, getting hit once is rare, let alone seven times! Sullivan’s first encounter with a lightning bolt wasn’t documented, but all six strikes after that were recorded by the superintendent of Shenandoah National Park, R. Taylor Hoskins.