Football player struck by lightning at practice

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Story Published: Aug 13, 2009 at 9:44 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 13, 2009 at 9:44 PM EDT

BELLVILLE, Ga. (AP) - Evans County authorities say a 14-year-old
boy was seriously injured after he was struck by lightning during
football practice at a private school in the rural city of
Bellville.

Claxton Fire Chief Harold Rogers said Thursday witnesses
reported a loud boom and a cloud of dust when lightning struck the
field at Pinewood Christian Academy on Wednesday.

Sheriff Randall Tippins said the injured student, William Dalton
Raulerson, as taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in
Savannah and was listed in critical condition Wednesday night. A
hospital spokesman did not immediately return a call Thursday
seeking an update on his condition.

Severe thunderstorms swept through southeast Georgia on
Wednesday night, but Rogers said skies were clear when the
lightning struck. He said coaches immediately performed CPR on the
boy, likely saving his life.

 


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Saturday, Aug 15 at 2:20 PM Rachael wrote ...

One of my friends knows this kid and is on the school's football team too. Says the kid has a punctured lung, busted eardrums and burns. They're all horrified.

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Friday, Aug 14 at 7:46 AM Rich Rogers wrote ...

Most people do not take lightning seriously enough. Even though skies were "clear" if a thunderstorm is 10 miles away, lightning can strike. Always go inside as soon as you hear thunder or see storm clouds approaching.

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