Fatal Lightening Strike at Shore

Lightning is being blamed for the death of a man whose body was found at the beach in Barnegat Light Sunday afternoon.

Lifeguards had cleared the beach when thunderstorms approached late Sunday afternoon.

Police say Cliff Govier, 44, of New York was found about 4 p.m. lying face down after the beach was reopened. Govier was vacationing with his wife and two children and apparently returned to the beach to look for a piece of lost jewelry.

In Bergen County, rainwater caused part of Routes 1 and 9 in Fairview to buckle. A lightning strike toppled one of four spires rising over a bell tower at Saint Mary's Church in Perth Amboy. No one was hurt.

Author: NBC10/AP