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Teen struck by lightning in Weber County released from hospital

Posted at 4:52 PM, Sep 01, 2012
and last updated 2012-09-03 22:13:24-04

PLAIN CITY, Weber County, Utah - A teen hit by lightning in Weber County Saturday afternoon has been released from the hospital.

Dispatchers say 13-year-old Oscar Garcia was hunting with a 25-year-old relative near 3500 West and 4000 North in Plain City when both were struck.

"It was about 4:30, the clouds rolled in, the rain started falling there was thunder and lightning. The young man and his 25-year old relative starting sprinting towards their car in the parking lot but it was too little, too late and the 13-year old took a direct hit," said an official.

Officials say Garcia took a direct hit, but an official with the DWR was nearby and was able to stabilize him before Garcia was transported to McKay-Dee Hospital via ambulance then transported to Primary Children's Medical Center via medical helicopter.

"He was here checking licenses, did witness the lightning strike and was able to render first aid immediately to the 13-year old."

He has since been released from the hospital. The man was not hospitalized.