Boulder County authorities in Colorado say the woman who was struck by lightning while running on a path in Superior on Thursday has now been identified. Her family is with her at a Denver‑area hospital where she remains in critical condition.
The woman was identified after two days of investigation, authorities said, noting that officials sought the help of the public, sharing images of her tattoos and sneakers.
The Context
The case highlights the life-threatening danger of spring thunderstorms in Colorado, and the challenge authorities face when victims cannot immediately be identified, which can delay notification of family and medical history that could aid treatment.
The Centennial State consistently ranked among the states with higher lightning fatality totals over decades of data, with fewer than four deaths a year on average, according to lightning safety advocates cited by Colorado Public Radio.
What To Know
Deputies responded at approximately 5:39 p.m. on April 9 to reports that a woman had been struck by lightning along a path behind Lasalle Street in Superior where bystanders had begun CPR before first responders arrived, according to a press release from Boulder County. The woman was found beneath a tree that had been hit…