The Franklin Lakes resident, Simon Mariani, who was struck by lightning, tragically passed away on July 14, 2025, at the age of 28 while he was playing golf in the Iron Man 2025 tournament.
The tragic incident happened on July 8, 2025, during the Iron Man 2025 tournament hosted by Crystal Springs Resort at Ballyowen Golf Course in Hardyston, New Jersey.
Mariani was enjoying a day of golf with his father, Scott Mariani, who was also playing, during the Iron Man 2025 tournament, an all-day competition involving three back-to-back rounds at Ballyowen Golf Course.
Around 1:53 p.m., a sudden and severe storm rolled in, bringing dark clouds and lightning.
Simon was on the 15th hole when he was struck by a bolt of lightning, hitting his head and traveling down the right side of his body.
His father, who was also playing, and other golfers, including an off-duty firefighter, quickly performed CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to save him until emergency responders arrived.
Then, Simon Mariani was quickly airlifted to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston; however, he succumbed to the lightning injuries on Monday, July 14, 2025.
Simon Mariani left behind his loving parents, Scott and Kathleen Mariani, and his sisters, Samantha and Sophia.
Born on November 3, 1996, Mariani was a proud 2019 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned undergraduate degrees in Accounting and Economics.
Immediately after graduating, he worked at the audit and assurance services practice within the pharmaceutical and life sciences industry at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for three years, from August 2019 to June 2022.
Simon Mariani then earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) before returning to the University of Notre Dame seeking to further his career. In 2024, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree.
In 2023, Simon interned as an Investment Banking Summer Associate at MTS Health Partners in New York City. Thanks to his performance, he was invited to join as a full-time Investment Banking Associate, starting in July 2024.
A fellow golfer, Brian Delia, who was playing on the 14th hole at the time, described seeing lightning in the distance for about 30 minutes before the strike. He noted that no warning horns or sirens were heard to alert players to leave the course.
Della said that he wasn’t aware that Mariani had been struck by lightning until police arrived.
Outside of work, Simon Mariani enjoyed spending time with his family and pursuing hobbies such as painting, photography, baking, and engaging in outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, skiing, and fishing.
He recently hiked Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park. Simon was a big sports fan, cheering for teams like the Yankees, Devils, Jets, Notre Dame, and Manchester United.
Mariani also enjoyed board games like Catan and watching movies like Jurassic Park and Interstellar. His favorite color was yellow, and he enjoyed foods such as pizza, chocolate ice cream, and Diet Coke.
A visitation for Simon will be held on July 17, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Vander Plaat-Vermeulen Memorial Home in Franklin Lakes. A Funeral Mass will be held on July 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament, followed by burial at Christ the King Cemetery.
During this difficult time, we offer our heartfelt condolences and pray for the strength of his parents, sisters, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Simon Mariani!
