Richard Schwartz Killed When Lightning Strikes Chapel During New York City Storm

Fierce Storm Claims Life In Brooklyn

View more videos at: http://nbcnewyork.com.

Thursday evening's powerful storm brought high winds and a heavy rains to the city, killing a 61-year old man walking home in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn.

Richard Schwartz was killed after lightning struck Christ Church on Clinton Street and the scaffolding tumbled onto him, crushing his body.

FDNY Deputy Chief Vinny Mandela said, "It appears that there was a lightning strike that struck the steeple of the building. It knocked several big blocks down."

NBC reports the man was taken to Long Island College Hospital in Brookyn where he was pronounced dead shortly after 8PM.

The worst damage from Thursday's storm occurred outside of the city, knocking out power lines and trees in Elmira, New York.

A National Weather Service meteorologist confirms a helicopter is currently surveying the town to determine whether a tornado was responsible for the extensive damage.

Photos from Thursday's storm:

Before You Go

Clouds gather over apartment buildings a

New York City Thunderstorm 2012

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