Franklin Lakes, NJ — Simon John Mariani, a 28-year-old investment associate and University of Notre Dame graduate, died Monday, July 14, 2025, from injuries sustained after being struck by lightning during a golf tournament in Hardyston Township, New Jersey.
The tragic incident occurred Tuesday, July 8, at the Ballyowen Golf Club, part of the Crystal Springs Resort in Sussex County. Witnesses reported that a fast-moving storm developed during the game, and although warning horns were eventually sounded, the bolt struck Mariani near the 14th hole. Bystanders, including two fellow golfers and his father, rushed to perform CPR before he was airlifted to a local hospital. He succumbed to his injuries six days later.
Simon lived in Franklin Lakes, just 30 miles from the course, and worked as an associate at MTS Health Partners in New York City. A 2019 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he was remembered by loved ones as “driven, dedicated, smart, likeable, and exceptionally talented.” His career reflected a sharp intellect, while his personal life overflowed with curiosity, creativity, and deep familial love.
He was passionate about photography, painting, and baking, and rarely missed a game by his favorite teams—the New York Yankees, New Jersey Devils, New York Jets, Notre Dame football, or Manchester United. His family described him as someone who embodied “the heart of a champion,” with an energy that drew people in and a deep-seated “zest for life” that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
In a public statement following the tragedy, Crystal Springs Resort emphasized that course conditions were normal before the storm developed rapidly, adding that guest safety remains a top priority.
Simon’s sudden passing has stunned both his professional and personal communities, prompting an outpouring of tributes that speak to his warmth, brilliance, and sense of purpose. As a young man with both remarkable ambition and deep humility, Simon leaves behind a legacy that blends achievement with authenticity—and a void that words can only begin to express.
Memorial details and donation information will be shared by the family at a later time.