Lightning strike near Glacier High School leaves three injured, one seriously

Two students and a coach were injured from a lightning strike during soccer practice on the Glacier High School athletic field Monday evening.  

The soccer players, both underclassmen, and the coach were transported to Logan Health Medical Center. One of the students is in the intensive care unit, according to a statement from Glacier Principal Brad Holloway posted to social media.  

“It’s our hope that we’ll get notice of, hopefully, a couple of them being released today and our prayers are with the student that’s still in the ICU,” Matt Jensen, superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools, told the Daily Inter Lake Tuesday morning.  

Jensen said an on-site athletic trainer and a coach administered CPR to the student who is in the intensive care unit. Jensen expressed gratitude for the athletic trainer’s quick response. 

Officers with the Kalispell Police Department arrived at the athletic field about 5:47 p.m., according to Patrol Capt. Chad Fetveit. Kalispell emergency medical services were also present, he said.  

Fetveit offered no further details about the lightning strike.  

Officials with the Kalispell Fire Department did not return requests for information prior to the Inter Lake’s press deadline. 

Jensen said policies and procedures were followed as a late afternoon storm rumbled across the Flathead Valley but declined to detail them. He also declined to discuss specifics surrounding the incident.  

According to the high school’s handbook, the district superintendent can order closure of schools in the event of extreme weather or other emergency in compliance with established procedures for notifying parents, students and staff. Notification is made through local radio stations and district phone, text and email systems.   

Soccer season began last Friday. A home scrimmage is set for Aug. 22, according to the season schedule.   

“We’ll put out a press release when we have more information,” Jensen said. "It’s really important for us to talk to parents first and family members. Obviously, the center of our energy right now is caring for students, family members and our coach.” 

“Our hearts are heavy today,” he added. 

Jack Underhill can be reached at junderhill@dailyinterlake.com and 758-407. Hilary Matheson can be reached at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com and 758-4431.