What happened to the father in Peru?

A 41-year-old father survived a lightning strike in Peru that tragically killed his best friend while they were biking down a mountain.

What is the current condition of the survivor?

As of January 2026, he is off a ventilator, eating regular food, and making significant progress in his recovery, though he may need a wheelchair.

When did the lightning strike occur in Peru?

The lightning strike occurred on November 26.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Teacher Survives Lightning Strike, Friend Dies in Peru

Teacher Survives Lightning Strike, Friend Dies in Peru

27 Jan

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Summary

A father survived a lightning strike that killed his friend in Peru.
He was biking down a mountain when the lightning struck in November.
He is now off a ventilator and recovering in the U.S.

Teacher Survives Lightning Strike, Friend Dies in Peru

A 41-year-old father is back in the U.S. after surviving a severe lightning strike in Peru that claimed the life of his best friend. The incident occurred on November 26, when the men were biking down a mountain with their wives and babies on vacation.

Lightning struck the group unexpectedly, fatally injuring one man and seriously injuring the other. The survivor, a middle school science teacher, recalled seeing a sudden flash before losing consciousness.

He was rescued and initially hospitalized in Peru before being medically evacuated to the U.S. for further treatment. He spent time in intensive care and then a rehabilitation center.