A fundraiser was launched on October 19 to support the recovery of a young man named Steele who was struck by lightning on Mount Timpanogos in Utah. Organized by Mariella and Todd Moyer, the fund seeks to assist with critical medical expenses and ongoing therapy following the traumatic event.
The incident occurred on September 18 when Steele was struck by lightning while attempting to save his friend, Cole Good. According to the fundraiser, Steele and Good performed CPR for 90 minutes before being instructed to descend the mountain to ensure their own survival. While Steele survived the ordeal, Cole Good did not.
Following the strike, Steele was hospitalized for three days at Holy Cross Hospital Mountain Point in Lehi, Utah. Medical professionals diagnosed him with severe rhabdomyolysis and elevated troponin due to the electrical energy passing through his body. During his hospital stay, Steele required IV treatment and experienced hypothermia and tachycardia with an irregular heart rate that reached above 180bpm. The strike also caused his muscles to lock up, leaving him unable to walk at the bottom of the mountain.
In addition to physical injuries, Steele is recovering from a traumatic brain injury caused by the electrical shock and his body's fight-or-flight response. This injury has resulted in mental fog and challenges with information retention. Steele is currently seeing a therapist to address PTSD and severe trauma.
As of the October 19 announcement, the fundraiser had raised $15,916 of a $18,000 goal through 111 donations. The organizers stated that the out-of-pocket medical expenses and the costs for recommended ongoing therapy have created significant financial stress for the family.
The Moyer family is requesting donations to help ease financial burdens or asks that the fundraiser be shared to support Steele's healing process.
