Glacier High School student remains in intensive care after lightning strike
JACK UNDERHILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 7 months AGO
Glacier High School on Thursday, Jan. 26. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
KALISPELL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION REPORTER Jack Underhill covers Kalispell city government, housing and transportation for the Daily Inter Lake. His reporting focuses on how local policy decisions affect residents and the rapidly growing Flathead Valley. Underhill has reported on housing challenges, infrastructure issues and regional service providers across Montana. His work also includes accountability reporting on complex community issues and public institutions. Originally from Massachusetts, Underhill graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a degree in Journalism before joining the Inter Lake. In his free time, Underhill enjoys mountain biking around the valley, skiing up on Big Mountain or exploring Glacier National Park. IMPACT: Jack’s work helps residents understand how growth, housing and infrastructure decisions affect the future of their community. | August 21, 2024 2:16 PM
One student remains in intensive care after a lightning strike injured two student athletes and a coach during soccer practice on the athletic fields near Glacier High School on Monday evening.
The other student and coach have been released from Logan Health Medical Center, said Glacier High School Principal Brad Holloway in a statement posted to social media.
“Please continue to keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers,” Holloway said.
A GoFundMe was created by Maddy Schaefer, the older sister of the student who remains in the intensive care unit. The fundraising effort has a $10,000 goal to cover medical bills, travel expenses and food while his family leaves work to spend time in the hospital, Schaefer wrote on the donation website.
“We are rooting for you, Mason! His favorite team is Real Madrid and Man City. Hala Madrid!” she wrote.
Since the page’s creation, dozens of donations have poured in.
A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect in Northwest Montana from about 3 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 19. The three were injured during soccer practice.
An athletic trainer administered CPR to the student in the aftermath of the strike, according to Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen.
Officers with the Kalispell Police Department and Kalispell emergency medical services also responded to the scene.
Jensen said that procedure and policies were followed as the storm rolled through the valley.
“In this case, the coaches followed lightning safety protocols and the emergency response was incredible,” Jensen said in a letter to the Kalispell Public Schools Board of Trustees on Monday. “We are thankful for the training and preparation of the staff and other emergency responders."
The letter said that administrators will remain in close contact with the families of the three individuals injured in the lightning strike.
Board of Trustees Chair Scott Warnell did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Board members Sue Corrigan and Jack Fallon declined to comment on the incident.
Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at [email protected] or 758-4407.
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