Wall Street Associate Dies After Lightning Strike During Golf Tournament

Simon John Mariani, a 28-year-old associate at MTS Health Partners in New York City, tragically passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, after being struck by lightning during a golf tournament in New Jersey the previous week.

Mariani had been competing in the Iron Man Golf competition at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hamburg, NJ, on Tuesday, July 8, when lightning struck near the 15th hole around 1:53 p.m. Fellow golfers, including his father, administered CPR on the scene until emergency responders arrived. Mariani was airlifted to the hospital by medevac, but succumbed to his injuries six days later.

Described by colleagues and loved ones as “driven, dedicated, and exceptionally talented,” Mariani was known for his intellect and passion for both work and life. A graduate of Columbia, he had built a promising career in healthcare investment banking. His obituary remembered him as a devoted family member with a "heart of a champion" and a love for Taylor Swift.

The tragedy is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of nature, and the importance of safety when storms roll in. From all of us at Short Squeez, our thoughts are with Simon’s family, friends, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.

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