HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two men and their two dogs were found dead in Highlands County days after they left to go hunting, the Highlands County Sheriff's Office said.

While authorities are still investigating their deaths, deputies said Thursday they believe the likely cause was a lightning strike.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began searching for the two men, ages 38 and 31, from the Miami area, after learning they had gone hunting and not returned.

Officers found the men's car parked near Rucks Dairy Road on Wednesday and later found their bodies on the levee next to Canal C-41A, according to officials.

The Highlands County Sheriff's Office was called to assist with an investigation into their deaths.

Detectives said their initial investigation

See Full Page