Fowler Associates Labs

August 6, 2004

Council Bluffs , Iowa -A lightning strike surprised a teenager while he was working on his computer during an evening thunderstorm.

Mike Bergeron, 15, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was in the basement of the home about 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday when lightning struck the roof of the family's house, traveled through the electrical lines to the computer and shocked him.

His Mother, Linda Bergeron said the impact of the strike sent her son flying about 5 feet backward. His sister was heading downstairs at the time and heard him fall.

"He was unconscious when she found him," said his mother.

Mike was taken to the hospital and spent time in the cardiac care unit. He was released the next morning but is currently receiving outpatient care.