Jamie Harris, 23, is recovering after being struck by lightning on the head while riding an ATV near Brainerd International Raceway.
BRAINERD, Minn. (KMSP) -
Jamie Harris, 23, literally had his heart stop when a bolt of lightning struck him on his head near Brainerd International Raceway Wednesday night.
Sunday he's at HCMC fighting through burns and a potentially serious brain injury.
Harris was out on his 4-wheeler last Wednesday night. His dad says the only reason he is still alive was some quick action from a nearby EMT.
It seems so far-fetched. Jamie was camping Wednesday night with some buddies
Hen he was heading out on his 4-wheeler – then severe weather moved in.
A lightning bolt apparently struck Jamie on his head, traveling thru his upper body and exiting under his right arm pit. His heart stopped. Friends and family said a nearby EMT was able to get him breathing again before Jamie was flown to HCMC.
"It was hard to comprehend what that would feel like. Hearing his heart stopped instantly. Basically, he passed away. If not for the EMT, he wouldn't be here," said friend Jen Bernier.
Jamie is in the hospital's burn unit and under heavy sedation. He apparently woke up over the weekend and was able to speak and move his extremities. His family is optimistic that any brain damage isn't severe. Many are gathered around his bedside hoping for a speedy recovery.
Jamie's dad says you can clearly see where the lightning struck his son. There's a burn about the size of a hockey puck atop his head. Jamie is still listed in critical condition, but friends and family really do seem optimistic about his future.
