The tallest Jesus statue in the United States was destroyed last night after being hit by lightning. Known locally as “Touch Down Jesus”, the six-story-tall statue of Jesus has been raising his arms since 2004, alongside the southwest Ohio highway in front of the Solid Rock Church along Interstate 75 in Monroe, just north of Cincinnati.

The Dayton Daily Times quotes a couple of storm chasers who were somewhat stunned that Jesus has been hit. “It sent goosebumps through my whole body because I am a believer,” said Levi Walsh, 29. “Of all the things that could have been struck, I just think that that would be protected. … It’s something that’s not supposed to happen, Jesus burning,” he said. “I had to see it with my own eyes.” “I can’t believe Jesus was struck,” said his brother, who noted the giant Hustler Hollywood sign for the adult store across the street was untouched. “It’s the last thing I expected to happen.” What I’m interested to hear is if Solid Rock Church believes this was an act of God, and, if they do, will they sue God?

The King of Kings statue was also known as “Big Butter Jesus” after comedian Heywood Banks referred to it as such and created a song about the statue, which he performed on radio’s popular “The Bob and Tom Show.”

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The 62 feet high “King of Kings” statue was a wood and styrofoam sculpture constructed over a steel framework anchored in concrete, covered with a fiberglass mat and resin exterior, designed by Brad Coriel and sculpted by James Lynch.