A Mississippi man is dead after authorities say he took a boat out during Tuesday morning’s severe weather on the Ross Barnett Reservoir.

Reservoir officials reported that a witness saw the man launch his boat as storm conditions rolled into the area.

At approximately 10 a.m., officers received a call about an abandoned boat near the Goshen Springs boat ramp. When authorities arrived, they found the vessel empty, prompting a search of the surrounding water.

During the search effort, an officer discovered a man’s body in the water. The man was wearing clothing that matched the description provided by the witness. Authorities believe he may have been struck by lightning.

Several agencies responded to the scene, including the Rankin County Emergency Operations Center, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, and other emergency responders.

Officials are working with Copiah County authorities to notify the man’s family. His identity has not yet been released.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.