Authorities in Central Florida are investigating the deaths of two Miami men and two hunting dogs who were killed by an apparent lightning strike in Highlands County.

On Wednesday, Highlands County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to a road on a grassy area in the southeast end of the county around 1:30 p.m. by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers, who had been searching for two hunters who failed to return.

Their car was found nearby, and their bodies were discovered on the levee next to a canal.

Both hunters were from Miami

The victims were identified as Alexander Karl Getz, 38, and Peter James Stansky, 31, both of Miami, deputies said Thursday in a press release.

Investigators believe they were struck by lightning sometime after 8 p.m. Monday even

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