MAURY, N.C. — Corrections officers at Eastern Correctional Institution are mourning the loss of one of their own after K-9 Officer Santonio Catoe died when he was struck by lightning while fishing with his son.
Catoe, 39, was spending time outdoors on the evening of April 11 when a bolt of lightning struck his boat near Jacksonville’s North East Creek Park, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction said. Catoe was knocked overboard by the strike and was quickly pulled back into the boat by others in his fishing group, including his son, TJ, according to FOX Weather. Despite their efforts and emergency care, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction held a remembrance ceremony for Catoe at the prison in Maury on April 17. He was described as a respected officer, known for his dedication, energy, and the strong bonds he formed with both his colleagues and the K-9s he worked alongside.
“His dedication to his work was unmatched, and he was known for his engaging spirit and the deep respect and affection he earned from all who knew him,” the department shared in a statement.
A Marine Corps veteran and avid outdoorsman, Catoe served as a K-9 handler at Eastern CI. Fellow officers said his passion for the job was evident every day he showed up in uniform.
Catoe leaves behind his wife, his 9-year-old son TJ, his 5-year-old daughter Maya and two stepchildren. A GoFundMe page set up to support the family describes him as a devoted father who was “doing what he loved with his son TJ by his side” when tragedy struck.
Catoe’s passing marks the first known lightning-related death in the U.S. this year, according to FOX Weather.
