Tourist fatally struck by lightning was 'carrying metal tripod'

Antony Van Der Meer has been identified as the tourist struck and killed by lightning while hiking with his family in the Northern Territory.

The 35-year-old from Adelaide was walking with four family members at the popular Kings Canyon Rim Walk, about 300km south-west of Alice Springs, when he was hit by a bolt of lightning just after 5pm on Monday.

He sustained life-threatening injuries and died at the scene.

"The other four family members were not injured but have suffered extreme shock," a spokesperson for Northern Territory Police told nine.com.au.

It's believed Mr Van Der Meer was carrying a metal tripod as he and his family were walking to find a vantage point to capture the storm on camera.

The State Emergency Service (SES), officers from Parks and Wildlife, along with police from Alice Springs and Hermannsburg recovered the man's body late last night.

Superintendent Pauline Vicary said efforts were hampered by heavy rain and flash flooding brought on by ex-Tropical Cyclone Hilda.

He said the teams' first priority was ensuring the man's surviving family members, who were comforted by two other tourists, were okay.

"The party was about one kilometre from the carpark when the bolt hit them," Superintendent Vicary said.

"Understandably, they were extremely distressed with the loss of a family member."

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