What happened to James Fernandez in Peru?

James Fernandez was struck by lightning in Peru, which killed his friend and caused him to crash his bike, breaking his neck.

How much will it cost to transport James Fernandez back to the US?

The estimated cost to transport James Fernandez from Peru back to the US is up to $300,000.

Where did James Fernandez teach before his accident?

James Fernandez taught at Palm Harbor Middle School in Florida.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Florida Teacher Survives Lightning, Breaks Neck in Peru

Florida Teacher Survives Lightning, Breaks Neck in Peru

3 Dec

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Summary

A Florida teacher survived a lightning strike that killed his friend.
He then crashed his bike, breaking his neck, at high altitude.
He faces a costly $300,000 transport back to the US for treatment.

Florida Teacher Survives Lightning, Breaks Neck in Peru

A vacation in Peru turned nightmarish for Florida teacher James Fernandez when lightning struck him and his friend, Yuri Botelho, on November 26. Botelho was killed instantly, while Fernandez was knocked unconscious. Despite being severely injured and suffering a broken neck, Fernandez remained on his bike, continuing downhill until he crashed. This collision occurred at nearly 14,000 feet above sea level, exacerbating his spinal cord damage.

Fernandez, who teaches at Palm Harbor Middle School, sustained multiple neck fractures and a burn on his foot, believed to be the point where the lightning exited his body. He has undergone multiple procedures and is currently sedated and intubated in a Peruvian hospital. His friends and family are actively fundraising, as transporting him back to a Miami trauma center could cost as much as $300,000.