Trending Topics

N.C. corrections K-9 officer killed in lightning strike while fishing with son

K-9 Officer Santonio Catoe, 39, was described as a dedicated officer and devoted father who died doing what he loved

K-9 Officer Santonio Catoe

“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,” N.C. Department of Adult Correction said.

N.C. Department of Adult Correction/Facebook

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.

Trending
ICE
Prosecutors say attackers used fireworks and anti-ICE graffiti to lure out unarmed corrections officers from Prairieland Detention Center before opening fire with rifles
A federal settlement requires the Sonoma County jail to accept materials from publishers unless there’s a clear security risk and give inmates a way to appeal rejections
Score discounted duty gear, workout tools and everyday essentials July 8-11 with our curated list of budget-friendly buys

Sarah Roebuck is the news editor for Police1, Corrections1, FireRescue1 and EMS1, leading daily news coverage. With nearly a decade of digital journalism experience, she has been recognized for her expertise in digital media, including being sourced in Broadcast News in the Digital Age.

A graduate of Central Michigan University with a broadcast and cinematic arts degree, Roebuck joined Lexipol in April 2023. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com or connect on LinkedIn.