Brewton man killed by lightning

A Brewton man was apparently killed by a bolt of lightning Saturday afternoon while standing under a tree on the banks of Burnt Corn Creek.

Gregory Shipp, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene. The Brewton Police Department was dispatched to O'Bannon Park shorty after 4 p.m. in reference to a person being struck by lightning.

Lt. Matthew Jordan said after a short search of the area, officers were able to locate Shipp.

Jordan said emergency medical aid was attempted but Shipp was pronounced dead.

Witnesses told police investigators that Shipp was with a group of people on a floating trip down the creek when a thunderstorm began. The group got out of the water and witnesses told investigators Shipp was standing near a tree that was struck by lightning and said they believed Shipp was struck also.

In addition to the Brewton Police Department, the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, Brewton Fire Department and D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital emergency medical services' employees responded.

Obituary arrangements for Shipp were being finalized Wednesday afternoon at Williams Memorial Chapel.