Science Teacher Critically Injured by Lightning Strike While Biking in Peru

Devastating Lightning Strike in Peru

• ⚡ A science teacher from Palm Harbor Middle School, James Fernandez, was critically injured during a mountain biking trip near Cusco, Peru.
• 💔 The incident occurred over Thanksgiving break while he was vacationing with his wife, their infant son, and another couple.
• 💥 Fernandez and his friend Yuri Bautello were struck by lightning; Bautello tragically died at the scene.

Impact and Immediate Aftermath

• 🤕 Fernandez was reportedly thrown 15 feet from his bike due to the lightning's impact.
• ⚠️ It is believed the lightning may have traveled from Bautello to Fernandez, as they were biking only a few feet apart.
• 🏥 He was taken to a regional hospital in Cusco, where his wife received the call about the accident.

Community Support and Recovery Efforts

• 💰 A GoFundMe page, shared by Palm Harbor Middle School, has raised over $140,000 for Fernandez's ongoing medical care.
• ✈️ Efforts are underway to transport him back to the Tampa area via air ambulance for continued treatment.
• 🙏 His family reports positive signs of recovery, including opening his eyes when hearing his wife's voice and breathing on his own.

Fernandez's Background

• 🚴 Before becoming a teacher, Fernandez had a career as an avid cyclist and tour guide, leading multi-day bike tours in various Spanish-speaking countries.
• 🗺️ His experience included professional cycling tours in places like Cuba, Spain, and Peru.