New bride struck and killed by lightning during honeymoon hike with husband

When Ryan Pocius married Kathleen Bartlett earlier this month, he had no idea that just a few days after the ceremony he would become a widower, after his wife was struck by lightning while hiking on their honeymoon.

On July 17, the newlyweds and outdoor enthusiasts were hiking on Colorado's Mount Yale on the last day of their honeymoon, when, at 12,400 feet, the couple was struck by lightning, according to the Denver Post.

Witnesses hiked for almost an hour, trying to find a cellphone signal to call 911. It took several hours for emergency crews to reach their location, where Bartlett was pronounced dead on the mountain. The Chaffee County Coroner's Office said it appears Bartlett had died instantly.

Two other hikers who were not with Pocius and Bartlett's party were also hit by lightning but suffered only minor injuries.

Pocius and Bartlett first met in 2014 at a bar where she worked part time. The two quickly found a spark in their shared passion for movies, yoga, and the outdoors. Just six months later, the couple got engaged. They tied the knot officially on July 11, 2015, in a ceremony at the Denver Botanical Gardens.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Pocius' brother Adam to raise funds to distribute to charities in Bartlett's name and to honor her life.

"She had a devoted passion for nature, education, the elderly, and animals," reads the description on Bartlett's GoFundMe page. "She was a dedicated special education preschool teacher and had recently earned her master's degree in early childhood development."

Pocius was hospitalized following the incident, but has since been released and is recovering with family and friends.

Many commenters who knew the couple have expressed their condolences on the page.

"You two are forever in our hearts. I am so glad to see this tribute and memorial. For all the friends and family, even complete strangers from Kansas are touched by Katie and Ryan," wrote one commenter.

"I only met her two years ago but anytime I needed support or answers; she was always a willing person to go to. She loved teaching the children and the children loved her; often wanting to hold her hand. She will be missed by many," wrote another.

According to the National Weather Service, Bartlett was 21st person killed by lightning in 2015. The NWS also offers a list of tips on how to stay safe outdoors in the event of lightning.

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
• If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
• If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lighting.
• Stay away from water, wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such as fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.

Photo courtesy of Cassandra Stiltner.