Minn. hiker struck by lightning in Rocky Mountains

Officials at Rocky Mountain National Park say a man hiking Longs Peak was struck by lightning but had no memory of being hit.

The 31-year-old from Minnesota had numerous burn injuries when he was found by hikers on Wednesday. He said he had hiked the mountain the day before and then spent an unplanned night in the backcountry. He said he couldn't recall how he had been injured but, based on his injuries, rescuers determined that he had been struck by lightning.

The man was able to hike down the mountain with assistance. On the way, he and a trail crew had to wait out an intense storm marked by more lightning along with hail and heavy rains. When the weather improved, a helicopter was able to fly him to a hospital.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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